WORLD WORLDWIDE USA New York NY New York City NYC the city THE CITY News Journal Update - Decriminalizing street vending, migrant possessions, Flaco

 

Dear New Yorkers,

Police have slapped street vendors with a skyrocketing number of criminal tickets since Mayor Eric Adams took office two years ago, an analysis of department data by THE CITY shows.

That’s despite a 2021 shift that was intended to prioritize civilian — instead of criminal — enforcement of street vending.

But the NYPD sent street sellers to criminal court nearly six times as frequently in 2023 as it did in pre-pandemic 2019. Of the 1,244 criminal vending tickets the NYPD handed out last year, 1,033 — or 82% — were attributed to unlicensed sales.

But a license is hard to come by. For decades, the citywide permitting system has capped the number of non-veteran merchandise and food vendors at 853 and 5,100, respectively.

That leaves almost 12,000 other people stuck on an endless waiting list.

Now, some members of the City Council are introducing a bill that would keep sellers accused of violating vending laws out of criminal court. The goal is to help vendors avoid the collateral consequences — such as lost work days, and immigration or housing troubles — that can follow a criminal summons.

Read more about the effort to decriminalize street vending here.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Monday's Weather Rating: 6/10. Sunshine is in control once again, and high temperatures will reach the lower 40s. A lighter breeze means it'll feel really nice out there at times this afternoon despite a bit of a chill still in the air. The vibes are all right!

Our Other Top Story

Migrant families who were evicted from Manhattan's Row Hotel under the city’s new 60-day eviction policy were told that they could return within 10 days for their belongings. But when they did, some were forced to wait hours or days before their possessions — including important documents and warm clothing for their kids — were returned.

Things To Do

Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.

Friday, Feb. 9: Cartooning for Kids, a place to learn the basic shapes to shore up cartooning skills. Free from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Poe Park Visitor Center in The Bronx.  Saturday, Feb. 10: A St. Valentines event where you can “mingle with other creators and crafters” while creating intricate valentines. There is a suggested $5 donation, and the event runs from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Alice Austen House Museum in Staten Island. Sunday, Feb. 11: A Lunar New Year celebration to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, featuring folk dances, Peking opera and traditional arts-and-crafts. Free with museum admission from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Queens Museum.

THE KICKER: One year ago, Flaco the Owl escaped from the Central Park Zoo — and thoroughly captured New Yorkers’ hearts. Here’s what he’s been up to since.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Monday.

Love,

THE CITY

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