NEW YORK — Some street vendors say they are being harassed and displaced by large real estate companies and now they want the city to take action.
Vendors from across the city showed solidarity on Monday with colleagues near Hudson Yards.
Eight were displaced after Related Companies received a permit to increase the number and size of tree pots on sidewalks.
Vendors say it leaves them with no space to stand in front of the planters, and not enough sidewalk space to comply with city regulations.
"We're asking the city to stop supporting billionaires and the real estate industry like the Hudson Yards managements, by just giving them permits to put tree pots and planters on the sidewalk, and displace vendors and prevent them from making a living," said Street Vendor Project Director Mohamed Attia.
Related Companies points out public spaces should be managed for everyone's safety and the city has specific regulations.