New Haven Independent

Posted by: CHAPELITE | August 22, 2008 9:38 AM

Funny!! Looks like a teepee? Vuoso should do stand-up! Put the canopy on little wheels?

"She said India's father gets them in New Jersey. Where does he get them, exactly? "I'm not sure. I never went," she said."

hahaha...I'll have to swing by Popeye's after work for some fried chicken and boxer shorts..

Posted by: JP | August 22, 2008 9:53 AM

There are some good street vendors as you walk up Chapel from Basta to Atticus but for the most part Street vendors are an eyesore and a nuisance. There's a guy on chapel that sells outside Denz's burnt out property that he never took down. He sells incense, sunglasses, hats and oils. It's a pretty low class little stand and it really takes away from the progress the 9th square has been making.

Posted by: Bill | August 22, 2008 10:17 AM

I have to disagree with Vuoso. I'd rather see businesses that foster a walk-able neighborhood, like street vendors, rather than regional franchises like Walgreens that encourage people to drive and park.

People like Vuoso are hard to convince. If he sees someone not working he probably infers that they're doing something illegal to support themselves. If he sees someone with a legitimate business, like a street vendor, he still assumes they must be doing something illegal!!! Does Ms. Legrand really look like a drug dealer?!? C'mon Vuoso.

Posted by: dede | August 22, 2008 10:29 AM

put the vendors on the green they will make a better business... everybody happy

Posted by: JSJ | August 22, 2008 11:32 AM

Mr. Vuoso's drive to clean up Whalley Ave. is laudable. I can't help but wonder, though, if his message would come across more effectively if he were to clean up his language as well- at least while speaking as a representative of our Special Services District at a public meeting.

Posted by: MORRIS COVE MF | August 22, 2008 12:02 PM

Vuoso needs to come across as less of a racist punk, and more of a concerned citizen. If he continues to curse and accuse people of being drug dealers, then no one will listen to him. His nitpicking on the table vs. wheels vendor setup seems very familiar....didn't the guy from Wine Thief do the very same sort of thing?

Posted by: Gary Doyens | August 22, 2008 12:47 PM

Vuoso should put his money where his nasty mouth is - in reviewing Vision Appraisal for all his properties - they're either severely dated or they're a dump. One is home to Newt's as a storefront with the rest of the building boarded up. Another's a garage and a strip shopping area that hasn't been updated since the day it was built.

The city shouldn't lift a finger to change anything unless and until Vuoso can prove his implied allegations of drug sales or some other illegal activity. I applaud the street vendors - they're working and doing the best they can.

Posted by: GetRidOfThem | August 22, 2008 2:55 PM

I agree with banning these street vendors 100%. They are a obnoxious. Personally I wont go into a store anywhere near where they are set up since they attract teenagers and suspicious looking people. Whalley and Dixwell have enough problems attracting business without these harassing vendors. If you do walk by them they hassle you to buy something. Go sell your crap at a flea market, not in front of businesses. Even the food vendors have gotten out of control. You can't go a block without a seeing a food vendor-and how anyone can eat anything from them is beyond me. How often are these carts inspected by the health department? They handle food without gloves-its disgusting. Get rid of all of the street vendors-perhaps New Haven would look a little more appealing to shoppers.

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | August 22, 2008 6:03 PM

Let them sell and pay taxes and license fees. If they can make a profit, they'll stay. If not, they'll move on.

Vuoso should set up his own stands with cheaper better product -- would drive others away.

Posted by: JP | August 22, 2008 6:28 PM

Dede, the green is privately owned and commerce is illegal on it.

Posted by: DEZ | August 22, 2008 8:02 PM

'GETRIDOFTHEM' Please! I have a couple of things to say, firstly 'GETONAPLANEANDGOVISITAFOREIGNCOUNTRY'. I'm sorry, but street vendors add to the context of a walkable, vibrant community. I have travelled extensively both here and abroad and have always marveled at the myriad of items found on the streets. Have you been to Manhattan? Had a good pretzel? Peanuts? A hotdog as you ran to catch your train? Legal food vendors are licensed and inspected. I've watched the health department routinely do their thing outside of the Yale Medical School. Why don't you pop into the kitchens of all those 'cellar-bound' restaurants you go to and really look around? I know for a fact that my dinner at the Union League happily comes into contact with bare hands! And what hands! I suggest you lose the Clorox wipes, find the key to your bubble, escape it, and start living!

Posted by: MattUva | August 23, 2008 9:13 AM

Dede,
That's a great idea!
In most cities in Europe, which by design are far more walkable and bike-able than New Haven currently is, there are open-air markets with hundreds of street vendors. Establishing set areas for this activity within neighborhoods around town could actually promote local businesses, as the open-air markets attracts scores of visitors on foot. And remember, Mr. Vuoso, "foot traffic" is very important if you're ever going to rent out your properties.

As for Getridofthem, watch the Travel Channel or Food Network sometime. Those celebrity chefs and travel writers all agree, the best local food comes from street vendors. I, for one, would rather see 1,000 little smokers on the side of the road over one new KFC. If you're worried about cleanliness, don't eat there -- of course, having been in many of New Haven's restaurant kitchens, you might not want to eat anywhere.

Posted by: MICHAEL | August 23, 2008 9:14 AM

I think that it is disgusting that a retail business like DOZO has gone out of business partly due to street vendor and the hangout that they cause! I have personally observed people go to the other side of the street to avoid the street vendor crowds and always wondered if something can be done about this problem! I understand that people want and need to make a living,but not to setup in front of another business and halt the people walking down the street or divert them across the street away from established businesses. It is wrong and something needs to be done about this.If someone were to setup a tent in front of your home, you would be very pissed and call everyone under the sun to remove them!!Well this is the same thing,only they have a permit! Revamp the conditions for these permits including no setting up in front of retail shops and charge more for the permits and regulate them better.
MSS

Posted by: Jane - WEB member | August 23, 2008 10:46 AM

Just a note for clarity. it looks like the article didn't distinguish which comments Vuoso made during the meeting versus which ones he must have made after the meeting. Vuoso's language is more G-rated during the meetings. Our meetings are kid safe.

Posted by: J. Cox | August 23, 2008 11:31 AM

I would like to respond to the comments made by the reporter of the article regarding the Whalley Avenue corridor.The Whalley merchants have every right to be irate over sidewalk vendors who set up in front of their busineses are not responsible for snow removal,cleaning the tree line,sidewalk.Is the store merchant ever asked is it O.K.?As for being a racist surely you just. what do you really know of Vuoso or of those who come in knowing they don't have the full price of a repair yet they are trusted to return to pay their bill.How many times has he been burned for repairs yet continues to help where he can. you should do your home work before you commit to writing

Posted by: Edward_H | August 23, 2008 12:36 PM

I have to agree with Morris Cove MF. Has Vuoso seen drug dealing going on? What is he basing this insinuation on? He is coming off in this article more as a bully and a business person who wants to stifle competition rather than someone concerned for the community. If the vendors are selling bootleg DVD's CD's then go after them. If they are selling legit products leave them alone. Who is Legrand competing with where she is located? I could understand the concern if she was down near Orchard Street and the other sneaker stores.

Michael

I think that it is disgusting that a retail business like DOZO has gone out of business partly due to street vendor and the hangout that they cause!

While I agree your theory has some merit. But maybe setting up a sushi place on the same block as a Popeye's Fried Chicken, barber shop and hair braiding place may have had a little to do with their closure? I am all for diversity but that makes as much sense as opening up a Starbucks in Newhallville.

Posted by: Truth | August 23, 2008 3:09 PM

I've known Vuoso for over 22 years, He is very passionate about what he does, He was given the responsibility to clean and beautify the Whalley Ave corridor, and if that means no vendors so be it!

Everyone who know's Vuoso, He is result driven, No matter how difficult the objective is, At the end of the day it gets done.by any means necessary !

Vuoso would never speak x-rated in a public setting, However because of his passion into completing his objectives, He's very animated. He probably was trying to get his point across to the young reporter one on one, Look the reporter went and investigated his one liner became a big story. Look!! you guys are helping Vuoso get his objective completed by commenting on this issue.

Posted by: Nancy | August 23, 2008 3:18 PM

I've known Mr.Vuoso for some years now, I know for a fact He would never speak like that publicly. He's from the old school He respects everyone and demands the same or until you disrespect him, He has always said that if the residents are safe and prosperous then the business's will be prosperous!! Would a racist buy a dilapidated house which was used by drug addicts, knock it down with his own personal money then allow the surrounding community use it as a garden? YOU TELL ME! If you don't live or work in district 10 never ASSUME anything because the residents and business owners care about our district and what it looks like.
We have the biggest flea market in the state why can't they go there and set up shop?

Posted by: GetRidOfThem | August 23, 2008 3:50 PM

DeDe-

I have traveled extensively-however there is a big difference between the street vendors in Venice and those scumbags in New Haven. Secondly, I worked in restaurants many years ago and I know all too well what goes on in them. What these vendors are peddling along Whalley and Dixwell is a bunch of trash-likely stolen from somewhere else-that attracts the the same type of people that later in the evening will be shooting at each other. Why dont you give them your home address so they can set up shop in front of your home since you are so fond of them.

Posted by: Bianca | August 23, 2008 8:19 PM

Mr. Vuoso is my father and I would like to make somethings clear for everyone. First off my father is not racist what so ever if you actually knew him you would understand, so please do not say things when you do not know him. Second, the reason for my father's "Potty Mouth" is because he is so passionate about cleaning up Whalley Ave that when he talks about the issues on the street he gets so into it. He really believes he can make a difference in the area and with everyones help he really can. He also did not use this language in the meeting, this interview and my father's quotes were taken after the meeting. And the third and last thing that I want to clear up is that my father never said or insinuated that these people are selling drugs.

Posted by: Edward_H | August 24, 2008 8:31 AM

Bianca

I have been a loyal customer of your father since I moved here in 2004 and the man I know is certainly not a racist. I apologize to you and your father if my any of my comments were intpreted in this manner.

Posted by: Nadine | August 24, 2008 6:34 PM

I was at the WEB meeting that this reporter spoke to Mr. Vuoso at and not once did he ever use the foul language that is being insinuated in the article. The conversation between John and the reporter took place after the meeting as I personally saw them speaking in the corner. I think it is wrong that the reporter did not clarify that major point in the article, but non the less, that language was not used during the meeting. I am a homeowner in the Whalley neighborhood and have had the pleasure of working with John to clean up Whalley Ave through a joint venture of residents and business owners, and I, as a black woman, can tell you point blank that there is not a racist bone in his body. He gives it to you straight, no nonsense, and I like that about him, because you always know where you stand with him. Together the residents and businesses are working together to bring real change to the Avenue and we are making progress, and getting these street vendors out of here will go along way towards acheiving that goal. I have no problem with anyone making a living, but go about it in the right way, and in this case, the right wat would be to go to the flea market on the Boulevard, where they can get plenty of foot traffic and a set up that is conducive to their type of business. By the way, like another poster has said, if you dont live in the area, please do not comment on what goes on here; we who live and work here every day know and are trying to change things for the better and with committed people like John and the rest of the residents and business owners, we will succeed.

Posted by: DEZ | August 24, 2008 8:58 PM

Nadine, et al, what is good for the street vendors of Yale's Sterling Hall and Chapel Street is good for the vendors of Whalley Avenue and Grand Avenue. The city simply cannot have 'rules' and 'regulations' for only one neighborhood. If you think people are peddling drugs or stolen goods, get some proof instead of half baked 'we don't like the people who frequent the vendors' attitude. Wake up, people. New Haven is ripe with folks that out of necessity shop on the streets. Their called your neighbors, and I happen to know that they are not all dirtbags. What you think is the 'right way' is not the 'right way' for everyone. Not everyone is fencing stolen goods and selling dog food 'a la' burrito's on the street. Do not condescend to me as I live in a neighborhood with street vendors whom I see filling a niche market. Although I don't patronize them myself, I know of a population that does and would never assume to make them travel by bus to the boulevard on weekends only to buy what they may want to purchase on a daily basis elsewhere. Get over your gentrified selves and be a little more inclusive! Whalley is simply not Chapel, nor should it be any more than Grand Avenue is! Like it or not, you live in a city. People don't always think, look, or act like you do which is what keeps it 1; a city, and 2; interesting. If you have ulterior designs on the 'type' of patron you desire, look a little further up the Avenue to Woodbridge or Bethany and see what flies there. Otherwise, be a little creative and think outside the box as to what may fly with your neighborhood demographic. All I hear is whining as to why poor business people can't get it together. Blame the street vendor! Please. That's like blaming Aramark as to why New Haven's school system isn't a beacon to education!

Posted by: Steve Ross | August 25, 2008 10:11 AM

I dig the street vendors. +1!

Posted by: Molly Wheeler | August 25, 2008 4:23 PM

I love the street vendors. When I moved here 5 years ago, it was the very thing that made me appreciate Whalley over lots of other streets in this town. I'm not interested in streets with no one outside on the sidewalks where everyone's keeping to themselves. Street vendors know the city well, they see things and talk to people, they're excellent resources for what's been going on. Let them be. This city will hardly be a community if everyone's in their houses, in their shops, waiting for everyone else to come directly to them. And it's hardly the time to be shutting people down for trying to make a living. At the very least, Vuoso should muster up some empathy.

Posted by: Carole | August 25, 2008 4:46 PM

Nadine,

if you dont live in the area, please do not comment on what goes on here; we who live and work here every day know and are trying to change things for the better

By that logic ...

If you don't live in Newhallville, don't comment on the kids who beat that van driver nearly to death.

If you don't live in Fair Haven, don't comment about the prostitution stings.

If you don't live in Westville, don't comment about speeding cars like the one that killed an 11-year-old girl. Etc., etc., etc.

We all want things to be better. That will happen a lot faster if we look out for each other instead of saying, "This is my turf; you have no say," or "That's not my neighborhood; why should I care"?

Posted by: Nadine | August 26, 2008 2:19 PM

Carol & Others,

My intent in my comment was not to imply that this is my neighborhood so but out; my comment was directed more toward the people who do not live in the neighborhood and do not see some of the problems that are caused by some, not all, of the street vendors and then say they don't have a problem with them; of course they wouldn't, the problem is not in their neighborhood or on their street so how could they?

I completely agree with your comment Carol that a lot more can be accomplished when we all come together to fight a problem rather than dealing with it on our own, but sometimes when you live with a problem everyday, you have a different perspective than someone who does not live in the neighborhood. The thing that I really like about the NHI is that it really fosters dialogue among people who would probably never even talk to each other, so if nothing else I am grateful that this article has generated so much conversation and brought a problem that we in the Whalley area have been dealing with for quite some time to the forefront, it definitely generates food for thought on both sides of the argument. I happen to sit on a committee that is made up of residents and businesses to try and revitalize Whalley Avenue and what we will do is go back and have an honest conversation with any vendor that is willing to talk to us and see if we can work out a solution that works out for everyone.

I want to thank everyone for their insightful comments and for the most part, this was a pretty civil discussion for the NHI (some can get quite nasty and personal) and it has definitely given me some new ideas and a fresh perspective for dealing with this situation.

Posted by: Dawn | August 26, 2008 8:42 PM

I think the street vendors here in New Haven are wonderful. A dear friend and his wife are vendors and are more politically involved in their community than most people I know. Their son is an exceptional student attending a local university..
What is killing businesses on Whalley is not vendors but rather the RUDE EXTREMELY RUDE employees of businesses like Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, CVS, Shaw's, Staples etc.
I will go out of my way not to patronize these stores...
And please don't tell me how wonderful all these places are - that's baloney!

Posted by: Kevin Ewing | August 27, 2008 3:27 PM

If I had a shoe store and a person set up shop in front of it selling shoes I would be upset. If I had a shoe store and someone set up shop on the street in front of it selling incense and essential oils I would probably give them some coupons to get their customers to come inside my shoe store and vice versa. I would also make an agreement with them emphasizing the benefit to us both to keep the area clean of debris and clear of snow and ice.

If they are legit, I bet they would welcome the offer. If they are not, they will object and I would start a campaign to have them removed.

I was in NYC (producing 'Live From City Hall with Rudy Giuliani") when this issue came up about his efforts to move the street vendors off 125th Street (they're back now.) On one of the commercial breaks he asked me what I thought about his plan (because I was apparently the only black person he knew) and I gave him the same advice. He chased away the vendors (most of whom were dark skinned) and then didn't understand why black folks didn't like him.

I'll admit the ones in front of Popeyes are spooky, sometimes overly aggressive and often block the sidewalk but some of the others are just trying to earn an honest living as best they can. If they are committing crimes, LOCK THEIR BUTTS UP!!! Otherwise let's try to figure out a win win.