Merchants and Multiple Uses

In the movie "Patch Adams" the lead character checks himself into a psychatric hospital, unable to see beyond his private malaise. But he is cured by another patient who helps him have a vision beyond the obvious. Storefront and street business and other parties in conflict need help developing a broader vision.

The New York Times reports that the Korean Merchants Association is upset at the prospects of 1000 new street vendors peddling produce in to the poor and those distant from grocery stores. Without a doubt the KMA is acting on its interest in reducing competition from other merchants, but why aren't the various parties, the City, the KMA and potential merchants, not negotiating for win-win solutions?

As 100 years ago, street vendors are called upon to provide access to inexpensive, fresh foods. The concerns then and now are similar, providing produce, enhancing dietary choice and reducing the distance to store-front merchants. The parties could take a lesson from 100 years ago when cities around the country also acknowledged the role street merchants and public markets played in reducing unemployment and providing income-earning opportunities that could eventually lead to new business or the skills and resources to join the workforce.

Today, the KMA could look to supply merchants with produce or other goods for sale in other neighborhoods, the City could see merchants as nascent entrepreneurs, instead of simple street vendors. Vendor-merchant alliances could reduce spoilage, enhance economic opportunity and render a more lively and diverse city. Temporary use ordinances and other light regulations could help develop neighborhoods recreating particular corners or paths as "destinations" for food and social life. The residents would benefit from the street vendor as public amenity. Steps like these reduce divisiveness and foster economic and social opportunities. If only the participants can see past self-interest, even past the immediate need the street merchant fulfills, the superficial role they play, and instead come to develop a new vision that embraces the many public and private purposes vendors and public markets fulfill.