City officials fear vending chaos in Midtown – and on Fifth Avenue and other posh streets – after state lawmakers failed to renew a law strictly regulating peddlers’ locations, The Post has learned.
“You’re going to see vendors in far greater numbers in the most desirable locations – no doubt about it,” said city Consumer Affairs Commissioner Gretchen Dykstra.
Before the law expired, disabled veterans were limited to where they could set up shop, particularly in Midtown, where only about 60 were permitted.
Specialized vending was banned on all avenues, including Fifth, Madison and Park.
But now, licensed disabled vets, who benefit from a special program that helps them become vendors, can sell on any city street, such as Fifth Avenue.
The expiration also means that nearly 250 disabled veterans who were prohibited from selling in Midtown can now flood into that area.
Maurice Cannon, 45, manager of the Computer Store on 49th and Fifth, was fuming.
“Why don’t they let them come right into the store and sell in here?” Cannon scoffed.
“Let them pay our rent and taxes. There’s so many vendors as it is, I can’t believe they’re allowing them to sell right on Fifth Avenue. It’s going to be chaotic.”
A 75-year-old costume-jewelry vendor on 51st Street, Michael Dara, said: “This is wonderful. It’s good news. If I go on the [Fifth] avenue, I’ll be able to make more business.
“You know we have a lot of off days – due to bad weather. So I hope this helps boost business.”
No one will benefit more from the expired law than the unlicensed so-called “First Amendment” vendors who sell photos, postcards, art and books.
Under a court decision, wherever disabled veterans are allowed to set up shop, so can an unlimited number of First Amendment vendors, meaning Park, Madison and Fifth avenues are now legally open to them as well.
“That’s where the congestion comes from,” Dykstra said.
Cops will still be able to move vendors if they create a hazardous condition or engage in unruly behavior, she said.