By Matthew Lysiak
The Brooklyn Paper
Two local merchants are under scrutiny for the “disgusting” display in front of their stores — they’re using the sidewalk as part of the selling floor, officials say.
Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann said her office has been in touch with law enforcement and the Department of Sanitation in its struggle against After School Rules, on the corner of 88th Street and Fifth Avenue, and GK Department Store, on 86th Street near Fort Hamilton Parkway, both of which appear to be violating city vending laws by selling items on the sidewalk, Beckmann said.
After School Rules even has shelves against its outer wall to display merchandise.
“It is illegal, not to mention it just looks sloppy,” Beckmann said. “You just can’t build shelves on the side of your store.”
Another resident was more succinct. “It is disgusting how they just let their property all over the sidewalk,” said Sis Thomas. “Someone needs to do something about it before other stores follow their lead.”
Beckmann has personal reasons for opposing the allegedly illegal sidewalk sale at GK Department Store — it’s only a few feet from the CB10 office.
“It’s annoying,” said Beckmann. “We have that white Styrofoam stuff coming over, but every time [we] ask them, they just claim it is deliveries.”
GK’s manager, Rafi Kabu, insisted that his store’s sales strategy is kosher.
“We are allowed three feet and as you can see everything is well within that range except for a few pieces of furniture, and those are all for deliveries,” said Kabu.
A worker at After School Rules refused to comment.
No comments:
Post a Comment