July 20, 2016 By Michael Florio
Elected officials are looking to shut down a Jackson Heights newsstand that was recently installed despite community opposition.
State Sen. Jose Peralta launched a petition last week as part of his attempt to remove the newsstand from the corner of 37th Avenue and 76th Street.
The newsstand, which Community Board 3 rejected, was quickly installed and opened, without Peralta or Councilman Daniel Dromm’s knowledge.
The petition calls on the Department of Consumer Affairs to revoke the license that was granted to the owner of the newsstand.
To date, only 38 people have signed the online version of the petition.
A paper copy is available at the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights, Foodtown and Frank’s Pharmacy.
Peralta has also introduced legislation that would place greater scrutiny on newsstand owners before licenses are issued.
Currently, newsstand applications need to be approved by the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Transportation and the Public Design Commission. Unlike sidewalk café applications, newsstand applications do not go before the City Council, according to Peralta.
This leaves the community without a voice, Peralta claimed earlier this month.
His legislation would require newsstand operators to get the approval of the City Council. Additionally, the Community Board’s recommendation would also be sent to the City Council.
Dromm said at a press conference earlier this month that he will be introducing similar legislation at the City level.
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