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… temporary situation demands consideration and tolerance – City HallThe Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has been able to relocate more than 100 street vendors who were removed from various locations around the city.Clerk of Markets, Sherlock Lovell,Morgan Burnett Packers Jersey, said yesterday,Vic Beasley Jr Falcons Jersey, that 120 persons have registered and have secured spots at their new Hadfield and Lombard Streets location, while more vendors are expected to come onboard.He said that washroom facilities, lighting and security are available at the location.It was noted, however, that some amount of unease was expressed by vendors after requests were made for two persons to occupy one tent. They complained about the heat and small operating spaces. The Council is aware of this discomfort,Mohamed Sanu Sr Falcons Jersey, but urged tolerance from the operators.Town Clerk Royston King said that vendors must be “considerate and open-minded about the situation.” He noted that the vending situation had to be urgently addressed and the unavailability of an alternate location led to the use of the current one.“All these vendors cannot fit at the location in separate tents. There is simply not enough space. Persons cannot expect also to layout all their items to sell, again there is simply not enough space. It therefore requires understanding,Grady Jarrett Falcons Jersey, tolerance and consideration on the part of the vendors.”Chief Constable, Andrew Foo, said that Section 9 of the city By-laws says that no citizen is permitted to place any item on city pavements or walkways. The law highlights that no obstacle including boxes and barrels among others are to be left,Joe Gilliam Steelers Jersey, stored or placed on city pavements or any other city property that would obstruct or prevent the easy movement or access of other citizens.It was found that not only did persons place items on city pavements and other city spaces,Matt Ryan Falcons Jersey, but they stored their items there; they confiscated some spaces to the point that persons could not use certain public spaces.Some vendors stored their items and belongings on the roadway while others slept on the pavement as if taking up permanent residency. Many locations were also found to be filthy and therefore posed great danger to health.Mayor Patricia Chase-Green recently admitted to the Council losing control of the vending situation given the Municipality’s previous situation. Acknowledging that many single parents, especially mothers,James Harrison Steelers Jersey, were involved in street vending,Sean Davis Steelers Jersey, and many persons gained employment through this avenue,Donnie Shell Steelers Jersey, some leverage was given.It was also noted that the city defended vendors when they were being evicted from the streets with no other mechanisms being put in place for them.However, the Council is now adamant that a new organized vending system must be developed as the city moves ahead and the “confusion” that once existed can be no more.The Council continues to urge the co-operation of all vendors and insists that what is being sought at this time is a meaningful solution to the organization and confirmation of persons who once illegally occupied city spaces. |
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