Addabbo Works With DSNY to Tackle Scourge of Illegal Mobile Street Vending Operations

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has been working in conjunction with the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to clear up the unlicensed, illegal fruit vending operations that have become a blight on the district and disturbed many constituents. Based on the feedback from community members, Senator Addabbo, along with his governmental and community colleagues, sent a letter to then-DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch reporting the situation and asking for immediate action to be taken. Since then, the agency has worked expeditiously to issue violations and confiscate the unlawful produce. However, this effort must be persistent and continuous, according to Senator Addabbo. 

“I applaud the DSNY for their speedy action in beginning to eradicate the illegal vending operations that have been creating dangerous situations in the community like blocking sidewalks, crosswalks and bus stops, selling illegal goods, among other offenses”, Addabbo said. “My office team and I will remain vigilant in monitoring the status of this progress to ensure that it continues until all illegal  street vending operations have ceased. I want to also take a moment to also thank the NYPD for dealing with open flame issues along Jamaica Avenue - combating the scourge of illegal vending operations requires a multi-agency effort to make it happen."

The target locations thus far have been:

Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard
Jamaica Avenue / Forest Parkway and Lefferts Boulevard
Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard to 112th Street 

DSNY conducted several vending inspections along the Jamaica Avenue corridor totaling 45 visits. Summonses were issued. Thousands of pounds of Illegal produce was seized, and later donated or composted, if appropriate. 

Senator Addabbo still contends that to properly solve the issue of illegal street vendors, multiple city agencies need to act in concert with each other, over a consistent, repeated period of time. 

“The Department of Sanitation enforces the rules around street vending with a focus on cleanliness and quality of life, ensuring that sidewalks are clean and passable. We will continue to work closely with Senator Addabbo on the Jamaica Avenue corridor and beyond,” said Javier Lojan, Acting Commissioner, New York City Department of Sanitation.