Fordham Road street vendors struggle with permit system

Mohamed Attia, from the Street Vendor Project, says getting a permit is nearly impossible due to long waiting lists.

Lindsay Tanney

Sep 6, 2024, 10:33 PM

Updated 62 days ago

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Street vendors on Fordham Road tell News 12 they are frustrated with the city’s vending permit system.
Omar, a vendor selling baby clothes, says he’s doing his best to support his family, despite the challenges.
“Everybody’s having a hard and difficult time,” he said, adding, “You can’t let the fear stop us because we have kids to feed.”
Mohamed Attia, from the Street Vendor Project, says getting a permit is nearly impossible due to long waiting lists. “We’re looking at a huge waiting list with tens of thousands of names on it,” Attia said.
Attia says he is collaborating with elected officials on legislation that would increase the number of permits and licenses given to vendors.
Bronx Council Member Oswald Feliz says he wants a solution that benefits vendors, businesses and the community.
Meanwhile, some local businesses say vendors are hurting their sales.
“We all got to live, but you got to do it the right way," says Anthony Briggs, who works at Kid City.
The Department of Sanitation says it takes a warning-first approach to street vending enforcement and is prioritizing clean and safe sidewalks.