Brooklyn Bridge Overrun: Illegal Vendors Turn Iconic Landmark into a Flea Market

The bridge has devolved too far.

Residents are furious at the illicit merchants who have turned the famous promenade into a “disgusting, mile-long trinket shop and flea market” on the tourist-clogged Brooklyn Bridge.

To improve pedestrian safety” and “reduce crowding on the elevated pedestrian walkways, the city has proposed banning all vendors.
An afternoon this week was spent on the bridge by a Post writer and photographer taking pictures and documenting the sea of twenty sellers.

Legitimate vendors, like Marco Balaguer, one of many licensed disabled vets who sells headgear and trinkets, and M.D. Rahman, who has been selling hot dogs and $1 water bottles outside the entrance since 2003, detest the illegal hawkers who are now threatening their livelihoods.

Robert Velsor, a licensed vendor and additional disabled veteran, disapproved of the proposed vendor ban because it is too broad.

Although it is nothing new for street sellers to ply their trade along the famous span, the number of booths has increased since the city two years ago moved bikes to a protected lane on the road.

Residents Demand Action

brooklyn-bridge-overrun-illegal-vendors-turn-iconic-landmark-into-a-flea-market — Residents are furious at the illicit merchants who have turned the famous promenade into a “disgusting, mile-long trinket shop and flea market” on the tourist-clogged Brooklyn Bridge.

One young woman selling hats in a rainbow of colors sheepishly revealed she lacked a license to sell them.

Many vendors, including one trading wristbands and bracelets, wouldn’t say whether they had a permission.
The locals are tired of it.
Tourists’ photo opportunities are also limited by the de facto flea market since pushy vendors block the best views.

The Post was informed by Councilman Lincoln Restler that he is in favor of the DOT vendor prohibition. “It’s critical that we give vendors appropriate assistance and foster environments that enable them to flourish. Not the Brooklyn Bridge, though.”

The 5th and 84th Precinct commanders are aware of complaints about vendors near the Brooklyn Bridge, according to the NYPD, and they are working to correct the situation. In order to deal with unauthorized vendors, the NYPD has taken part in combined operations this year with the Department of Sanitation, Department of Consumer And Labor Protection, and FDNY.

Several additional sanitation police officers began patrolling the streets in April with a focus on unlawful street vending.

Source: Newsbreak