Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
SoHo Art Vendors Face City Hall
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 17, 2008
Modified Nov 17, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 17, 2008
Modified Nov 17, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Last year the police were hassling the art vendors in SoHo, something documented by Robert Lederman, president of A.R.T.I.S.T. (Artists’ Response to Illegal State Tactics). Around the same time, word of an Alan Gerson-proposed bill to "deal with the problem" was getting out, and now the City Council proposal has arrived, leaving the artists on the defense.
The NY Post reports that "The council last week began considering limiting the number of art vendors to two per block on pedestrian-packed sidewalks such as the stretch of West Broadway in the artist-saturated neighborhood." Gerson's concern is that some of the streets are too congested, while the artists fear their First Amendment-protected free speech, "and the battle for our rights," hang in the balance. Not to mention their income.
They have compiled a video proposing that the BID (Business Improvement District) obstructs the sidewalks as well, with planters and trash cans, saying they "violate every section of the proposed new vending laws." Lederman even points out that in 2004 Lieutenant Robert D'Onofrio, commanding officer of the Manhattan South Peddler Task force, testified in Federal Court saying the planters were put up to obstruct the vendors.
From pg 31 of the Federal Court transcript:
THE COURT: And what is the point of the planters, if you know?
Lt. D'Onofrio: Well, my understanding is so the street vendors, will not put their carts or their tables on the sidewalk because they have to be at curb side.
On Friday, the artists held a protest outside of City Hall, and are planning to keep protesting. They have a website set up documenting their ongoing battle.
Tagged
artist
Alan Gerson
artists
Artists’ Response to Illegal State Tactics
bid
bill
robert lederman
soho
vendors
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .