Advocacy Update

On February 15, 2017, BOMA/NY President Jim Kleeman, Vice President Ron Zeccardi, Board Member Laura Belt, and staff person Daniel Avery traveled down to 250 Broadway, across the street from City Hall, to meet with upper-level staff from City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito’s Office. The meeting concerned Int. No. 1303, which, among other things, would establish an office of enforcement for sidewalk vendors, create a food vendor advisory group, and allow for a significant increase in food cart vender permits over the next several years.

The meeting started with the Council staff explaining the details of the proposed bill and its intent. They clarified that the office of enforcement was meant to be substantial and would operate for at least a year before any expansion in permits began. They also acknowledged that the issues covered by the proposed bill are complicated and need additional study and thought. Nonetheless, the Council Speaker supports the effort and is looking to move it forward.

BOMA/NY participants expressed their concerns about sidewalk food venders, who can create any number of difficulties for building managers and their tenants, including sidewalk congestion, unsanitary conditions, and odor and air quality problems. They also asked for a BOMA/NY seat on the advisory group.

Council staff was responsive to and grateful for BOMA/NY’s input and assured the participants of a role in shaping the bill moving forward. Next steps include a redraft of the legislation, followed by stakeholder input on that revision. Aside from discussing the details of this proposed bill, the meeting also furthered BOMA/NY’s continuing efforts to strengthen an already close bond with the legislative body that can, and often does, take actions that impact BOMA/NY members.