BBA A PH Chinatown Manpower Project, Inc. April 15, 2005, New York City Environmental Control Board 66 John Street, 10th floor New York, NY 10038 Dear Environmental Control Board: Chinatown Manpower Project is a non-profit organization that works with the Asian immigrant and refugee small businesses in New York City, including street vendors. With more than. twelve years of experience in working with the small business community, we actively addresses issues affecting small business through one-on-one counseling, training program: seminars and workshops. Chinatown Manpower Project is very concerned about the potenti increase of maximum fines for licensed street vendors from $250 to $1,000. ‘The Asian immigrant business community represents a particularly isolated and disadvantaged population due to high linguistic, cultural and economic barriers. Many of these immigrant entrepreneurs become street vendors because they have no other options, and street vending is a matter of survival. They work long hours in inclement weather conditions to earn just enough money to support their families. For these street vendors, every dollar counts in helping their families survive on a daily basis. Chinatown Manpower Project has worked with street vendors on a variety of issues including helping them understand the regulations of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. Most legally licensed street vendors are eager to follow the street vending rules and operate as a respectable entrepreneur. Like the City, these street vendors are also concerned about the rise in illegal vending and the safety of streets. However, excessive ticketing and inconsistent enforcement practices have made it dificult for street vendors to even understand what is a violation or not. Also we have seen instances in which licensed street vendors are mistakenly ticketed and are unable to defend themselves because they do not speak English. The proposed fine increase would continue to exacerbate these injustices and punish these hardworking entrepreneurs for just doing their jobs. The increased fines would have direct impact on their bottom line and their abilty to survive as a business. ‘We urge you to reconsider increasing the fines for street vendors. It would be irresponsible to deprive vulnerable people, who have so little, of the money they need to live independently and to improve the lives of their families. Thank you for your time, Sincerely, A rina Wong Deputy Exec BROOKLYN OFFICE MAIN OFFICE BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER 4304 Eighth Avenus 70 Mulberry Street 125 Canal Steet, 3" Floor Brooklyn, NY 11232 New York, N.Y, 10013 ‘New York, NY 10002 TEL: (718) 633-7877 TEL: 212) 571-1690, ‘TEL; C12) 966-7328 PAX: (718) 633-8510 FAX: (212) 571-1686 FAX: (212) 966-7501