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12h ago

Adams Vetoes Street Vending Decriminalization Bill, Council Readies Override Vote

Mayor Adams cited public health and safety risks from unchecked street vending, leaving a veto-proof council with until August to override his decision

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Street vendors Ruth Palacios, 43, and her husband, Auturo Xelo, 60, sell their wares on a busy street corner abutting Junction Boulevard in Corona, Queens.
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Overview

  • The City Council approved Intro 47-B by a 40-8 vote with 3 abstentions on June 30, enough to override a mayoral veto.
  • The legislation would have removed misdemeanor charges for unlicensed vendors and imposed only civil fines for violations of time, place and manner rules.
  • Adams argued that criminal enforcement is essential to safeguard public health, support law-abiding businesses and allow the NYPD to address egregious vending cases.
  • Critics including Councilmember Shekar Krishnan warn the veto puts immigrant vendors at greater risk of jail and immigration consequences, given that 96% of street sellers are foreign-born.
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement has intensified citywide arrests in preparation for hiring 10,000 new agents under federal funding, heightening stakes for vendors facing criminal charges.