Poll Results: The Debate Over 13th Avenue Sukkah Street Vendors

By BoroPark24 Staff

BoroPark24’s recent poll on the presence of street vendors along 13th Avenue during Erev Sukkos has sparked a lively debate within the neighborhood.

Thousands of residents have cast their votes, making their opinions heard, and the results are displayed in the pie chart above: 58% voted in favor, 23% voted to move them away, and 19% voted to leave them with a permit system enforced.

Hundreds of residents also submitted comments, with many expressing similar concepts and opinions. We've compiled them all for you to read below.

Support for the Vendors

Many residents express strong support for the street vendors, seeing them as essential to the Erev Sukkos atmosphere. “This is our need for Erev Sukkos. The vendors should be encouraged to clean up before they leave,” one respondent suggested. “I love it. It brings in a Simchas Yom Tov. That’s the BEST part of erev yom tov,” another added enthusiastically.

For some, the vendors represent an important part of the neighborhood’s charm. “It’s one of the beauties of living in Boro Park. A Yiddisha shtetle. I feel like it makes the tiny crammed living quarters all worth it,” a supporter noted. “It’s so exciting and it’s just a few weeks, big deal!” echoed another.

The vendors evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to traditional markets. “I love walking thru the mess and chaos. Reminds me of the Israeli shuk!! A piece of home!!” commented one resident. “It’s part of the Yom Tov vibe!! Please keep them here!! In Israel across Malchei Yisroel in Geulah it’s the norm too!! We look forward to it every year!!” another added.

Many see the vendors as an integral part of their community traditions. “Friday is made to buy flowers in honor of the Shabbos and before Sukkos to buy Sukkah supplies! This is the fabric of our community,” one respondent asserted. “I actually love it. Reminds me of ירושלים. The more the better. Parking/traffic isn’t any better without it. Let it be,” another said.

Several people appreciate the vendors’ role in creating a festive atmosphere. “It’s so exciting and helps to hype up to Yom Tov. We all love it,” noted one supporter. “Without this, people won't have their dalad minim. Regardless, this has been on the streets for many, many years, and so this should not be taken away. This is our hood,” another added.

Criticism and Concerns

Despite the support, there are significant concerns about the vendors’ impact on the community. Critics argue that the situation has become problematic, with issues ranging from cleanliness to congestion. “The mess and filth left on our streets simply is not worth it. The vendors do not bother to clean up the areas around where they sell; they are simply oblivious to the dirt left behind,” one person lamented.

Traffic and accessibility issues are major concerns for some residents. “It makes driving in Boro Park similar to a war zone,” a critic observed. “The sidewalks are overcrowded, and it’s impossible to walk with a stroller or make your way through with any kind of ease. It’s a disaster,” another commented. “The noise till very late at night is unbearable,” added a further critic.

There are calls for a centralized location to manage the vendors better. “A centralized location (or even locations!) would be more beneficial. It’s become too much,” one respondent suggested with many people writing similar comments. “It’s enough that the trailers take up all the spots; we don’t need these stands taking up the sidewalk as well,” another commented.

Advocates for Regulation

Some residents advocate for a regulated system to address the concerns while preserving the festive atmosphere. “Community Board 12 should arrange some type of permit system and make sure they leave space for people to pass on the sidewalk,” one advocate proposed. 

Supporters of regulation believe it would help alleviate issues, including trash buildup, vendors reserving tables months in advance, and occasional fights between sellers. “There should be some kind of rules and regulations. Having someone take care of the bigger operation would make it run a lot smoother,” one person noted. Another commented, “Good idea. This should be done the whole year, not just now before Yom Tov. All these flower stores that sell and bother local stores.”

Several people also expressed a desire for improved management to handle the overall situation better. “Add an option for a centralized market. The vendors should not block pedestrians and shoppers who are in a hurry to get their errands done before Yom Tov,” one respondent suggested. “With proper enforcement, many of the issues, like the trash and fights, would disappear,” another added.