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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 2
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City closes a deal with Corona vendors Third-party operator will supervise plaza’s food, merchandise purveyors by Michael Gannon
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Senior News Editor
h e m a y o r o n Tu e s d a y announced an agreement that will return vendors to Corona Plaza, complete with arrangements for site management, proper permitting, sanitation and security. The site, adjacent to the No. 7 elevated subway stop at 103rd Street, has been a source of tension between residents and the city since before late July, when city agencies conducted a series of sweeps against unper mitted sales of food and merchandise. Elected officials and neighborhood advocates had accused the city of actually delaying the permits that agencies said the vendors lacked. “Our administration has a vision for a Corona Plaza that welcomes all members of our community — keeping our neighbors safe, ensuring our streets are clean, and creating economic opportunities for local residents,” Mayor Adams said in a press release. “For too long, city government has told the community around Corona Plaza to fend for themselves, but now we are being clear that we
are here to help. This community deserves a plaza that everyone living in, working in, and visiting the area can enjoy — and that’s exactly what this plan will deliver.” Under the plan, the vending area will operate every Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. No specific starting date was given. The city will pick a third-party operator to manage the vending area. The Queens Economic Development Corp. will serve as the interim operator for four months, with the option for the Department of Transportation to renew its position. The DOT will issue a request for proposals in early 2024 to select a long-term operator. The third-party operator will address safety, sanitation and quality-of-life issues caused by previous unregulated vending, while city agencies will monitor and take enforcement action as necessary to keep Corona Plaza safe and clean. The plaza will host 14 vendors, with up to 10 selling food. All vendors will be required to apply for a food-vending permit that is specific to Corona Plaza.
Vendors in and around Corona Plaza last summer protested that city sweeps destroyed their livelihoods. A deal announced on Tuesday soon will have PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE some back to work Assembly woman Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst) called it a positive first step in an interview Tuesday night. “I’m pleased with the progress,” González-Rojas said. “We wanted
longer hours, additional days and more slots for people. But we understand the city believes this is something that will be revisited ... We believe it will bring good economic development back to the community.
It will get our street vendors back to work, get food on their table again. It’s a boon for tourists and New Yorkers alike.” Borough President Donovan Richards recently made it clear that he was willing to go as far as holding up necessary approvals for the Willets Point soccer stadium project if a deal could not be reached with the vendors. He seemed pleased in the mayor’s press release. “There is still a long way to go to ensure Corona Plaza is returned to its rightful status as the heartbeat of Corona,” Richards said. “But I’m optimistic that we now have a framework to build upon in the weeks and months ahead.” González-Rojas told the Chronicle that a key party in her view was the city DOT. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez was completely on board in the administration’s statement. “Street vending is part of the fabric of our city, and this community vending area will ensure that people can enjoy the culture of the neighborhood while addressing long-standing safety and quality of life concerns,” Q Rodriguez said.”
