The introduction of these bills comes at a time when economic
pressures are making it difficult for supermarkets to survive in
the city. Some groceries will be forced to close, resulting in a
further shortage of food stores critical to our neighborhoods.
While supermarkets provide excellent employment opportunities
for immigrants, many street venders pay workers below minimum
wage. Carts are being permitted to operate in front of groceries
and fruit markets causing further financial stress on these
establishments. Fruit and vegetable carts may have a place in
some underserved areas, but not where food stores already exist.
The proliferation of these carts near established food stores
combined with the downturn in the economy, have resulted in the
expected closing of six stores where we represent workers: five
in Northern Manhattan and one in Southern Queens. These
neighborhoods will lose an important anchor to the community
that has provided hundreds of good jobs and quality food
products to local residents.