For decades, some people — like Mr. Hernandez — have taken a chance, and set up stands along Sunset Park’s Fifth Avenue, a vibrant commercial strip of taquerias, sneaker stores, bakeries, dress shops and fruit markets. The neighborhood has a large Latin American and Asian population.
Like 19th century homesteaders, vendors find a free spot — and make it their own. Geography is important: “A corner is a good spot,” Mr. Hernandez said. “People stop for the light.” He has occupied his corner most weekends for four years.
There are underlying tensions: Most vendors in Sunset Park do not have a permit — and a ticket can carry a fine of $1,000. Since the city capped the number of permits years ago, most of the city’s estimated 20,000 vendors operate without one.
Yet, it is a surprisingly stable scene: Some vendors have been there longer than the stores around them. They have raised children and bought houses. Sandy Yu, 47, a mother of four, has been repairing watches on Fifth Avenue for about 16 years.
Source: Hartman, S., & Heisler, T. (2023, September 1). Staking the future on a stretch of sidewalk in Brooklyn. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/realestate/sidewalk-vendors-brooklyn.html?searchResultPosition=5
Analysis: The community that is built both on loyalty and competition is admirable. I’m not surprised the lengths people go to support their families and make a living, and I think there’s potential in having space on park grounds for markets and fairs, with booths for the park to sparse out information and wares. When talking to Ryan, it seems like there are already community events on the park grounds but they happen sparsely, something constant like a farmer’s market could help bring patrons to the park.
