Myrtle Wyckoff Plaza getting overcrowded with illegal street vendors, leading to an excess of trash, rodents and fear of ICE - QNS

"Both Ridgewood residents and legal street vendors have recently filed complaints to the city's Department of Sanitation (DSNY) claiming that the growing number of illegal street vendors at the Myrtle Wykoff Plaza has become "out of control." The plaza, first built in 2016, covers the block just outside of the Myrtle Wyckoff subway station and sees major pedestrian traffic every day. As a result, it's become an "open air marketplace" for illegal and legal vendors selling all types of wares."

"The plaza also is home to a busy Citi Bike station, as well as several chain businesses like Starbucks, meaning delivery drivers sit and await orders on their scooters. When exiting the station, street vendors can be seen lining every sidewalk selling food, fruit, jewelry and common household items. However, according to one vendor who spoke to QNS on the condition of anonymity, a majority of them are unlicensed businesses."

""They all work for their families, but they need to be legal," said one of the licensed fruit stand's employees. "I call DSNY every week, and they don't come. Maybe once every three months." According to the employee, only four or five of the vendors within the plaza have licenses, which is less than a third of the vendors that can be seen lining the street and surrounding blocks."

Ridgewood residents and licensed street vendors have filed complaints to the Department of Sanitation over an escalating number of illegal vendors at Myrtle Wyckoff Plaza. The plaza, built in 2016 outside the Myrtle Wyckoff subway station, experiences heavy pedestrian traffic and functions as an open-air marketplace for food, fruit, jewelry and household items. A busy Citi Bike station and nearby chains attract delivery drivers who wait on scooters. Many vendors operate without licenses; one licensed employee reported calling DSNY weekly but receiving enforcement maybe once every three months. General vendor licenses come from DCWP, while food vendors require DOHMH permits. Several stands reportedly violate rules on seating, sidewalk placement and display height.

Read at QNS