Posted by Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better on July 24, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is about the least of our problems. If the city council really wants to deal with "nusances", they should start with all the ugly billboards around town.

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 24, 2008 at 3:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And the other things is, I bet they don't claim their income to the IRS or the SC Dept of Revenue. Not doing so is a crime.

Posted by ForPnC on July 24, 2008 at 3:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't stop at these stands.

Posted by Neponset on July 24, 2008 at 5:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thomas
I have done my elderly mothers taxes, using a CPA, and was told she did not have to file, since her income was so low. But I agree, some of these folks make lots of cash and I suspect that they don't file, even though they are required by law.

Posted by moonpie on July 24, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cash is a wonderful thing! They are not reporting income, BUT NEITHER ARE THE ILLEGALS! So that one you can't use. It's an eye sore to the community, and unsafe. I'm not against them selling their goods just not on the side of the road. How about everyone in a vacant parking lot somewhere?

Posted by wpc3iop on July 24, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

North Charleston has many problems that are more pressing than roadside vendors...drugs, murders, prostitution, and illegals just to mention a few. The council is making themselves look ridiculous by wasting time on this non-issue. Slim Fast and the boys need to get to work on helping the NCPD work on CRIME!

Posted by simon_birch on July 24, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I see all these complaints about," I bet they don't pay taxes" I wonder if that is whats really bothering them? How much money can the state loose for gosh sakes! If your that concerned about tax money, then I suggest you go after our own elected officials and the special projects they get tax money for to repay favors for contributions!! Look at all the freebes they get at OUR expence with OUR tax dollars for the extras they enjoy that are a joke! They write off everything! These roadside truck patchs don't take enough to cause anyone to go hungery.

Posted by RW on July 24, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Govt is always after someones $, Let the dude sell his watermelons! I pass this guy everyday and he is not hurting anyone. How about cutting taxes and eliminating govt waste!

Posted by Neponset on July 24, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Simon
Most of us do not have a choice, but self employed folks can under report or not report at all. And this included some high dollar folks like my neighbor (a doctor), who just served 10 months and is on probation now for tax evasion. I say if I have to pay, then everyone should also, both high and low.

Posted by berthelot on July 24, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All the property owners have to to is put up a big sign on their property just behind the right of way that says "________ cannot verify the safety of roadside produce, purchase at your own risk". Make people suspect. They will move along to another stretch of highway.

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 24, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"I bet they don't claim their income"

The law is the law.

Posted by jeanspatch on July 24, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the watermelon man is a sign of the start of summertime. roadside stands "are" part of southern tradition and too much of our "north charleston" south is being allowed to drift away and be forgotten. how many remember there once was a "veg bin" at the intersection of midland park rd and rivers ave

Posted by theronce on July 24, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Most levels of government are or will be feeling a pinch in the pocket, so they will all start going after any money that they have overlooked in the past.

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 24, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Neponset,

And many people do "under report" or illegally claim deductions. My ex mother in-law use to brag about what she falsely claimed/reported; saying things like "they will never audit me ... .. " And the kicker is, and I kid you not, she worked in a law firm.

Perjury is a felony.

Posted by singleroni on July 24, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

why are they after the watermelon vendors when there are more of the taco trucks. guess they don't want to bother them, maybe they are illegal and it will upset them. north charleston of mexico

Posted by sbs920 on July 24, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

leave the watermelon man alone NC!
do you think every waiter and waitress in town claim their tips like they should on their income tax. Jeeeeezzzzz

Posted by hattrik on July 24, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Get a life, City Council! Direct your attention to issues which really can help the public.

Posted by disco on July 24, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Doesnt' N. Chas have more to worry about than a guy selling watermelon on the side of the road? He's not hurting anyone. I do wonder about the people selling shrimp though. I would be very cautious buying seafood on the side of the road...

Posted by mnbvcxz on July 24, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Are the taco stand inspected by the health department? I know they sell meats like beef and chicken and vegetable on those tacos.

Posted by SmarterThanYou on July 24, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cats Eyes. They're my favorite. If you're going to play marbles, you must have some cats eyes.

Posted by singleroni on July 24, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SOME OF THE TACO STANDS EVEN SELL COLD BEER TO GO WITH THE NACHOS. GUESS THEY HAVE A PERMIT FOR THAT ALSO. MAYBE I NEED TO SET UP A COLD BEER STAND.

Posted by ironhorse on July 24, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Next we'll have meth stands.......

Posted by BigSargeofSC on July 24, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I'm so glad that North Charleston saw fit to help get rid of these illegal people trying to make a few dollars to survive on. In doing so, I'm sure there will be a decrease in voilent crime, fewer drug sales, and fewer car thefts. Wow, do I feel a lot safer.

Posted by june on July 24, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All the comments above are good point. For all the roadside peddlers that
provide fresh produce and shrimp,this is where the district needs a place
for farmers market every day of the week. All could meet there and be a
nice shopper paradise to consumers. Since they already pay $50 fee.
If collecting tax money is great concern,no problem since you know the goods
you get are farm fresh. Most people that buy would have no objection.

There are enough vacant lots around the north area,perhaps the mayor of
North Charleston could locate one to address this issue.

Posted by shoelaces on July 24, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I see two things with this...

1. A way to eliminate the illegal taco stands
2. A way to collect a TAX

I don't have a problem with getting rid of the taco trucks...AKA Roach Coaches. Drive down Ashley Phosphate to Dorchester Road and count how many are set up in that one stretch. People run back and forth from stand to stand hoping to be picked up for some sort of day labor job.

2. "pay for host registrations and get vendor sites inspected at a combined cost of about $25." I do have a problem with collecting this TAX as these folks already pay their peddler's license.

If these people are making a few dollars or thousands of dollars that is great!! Good for them for finding a way to survive and maybe even beat the system!!!

The sad thing is they will do away with the legal US citizens in an effort to eliminate Jose's burrito emporium.

Let's go fight some real crime North Chuck.

Posted by ysillyme on July 24, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can live w/ that watermellon dude; but those little kids selling lemonade making obscene profits gotta go. Hanging is too good for 'em I tell ya. BTW where is their permit? Maybe a lemonade sting would lower N.C.'s ranking for serioue crime in the nation.

Posted by counterpoint on July 24, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hehe sillyme. I second that.

Posted by drp7773 on July 24, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Whats next , yard sales or maybe lemonaid stands.....taco trucks I can see paying taxes etc and should be inspected but watermellon and tomatos grown in your own yard , come on and most of the time it's elderly people who need a little extra cash to make it but who cant work. geez what a waste of time that borders on harassment.

Posted by vallenjenny on July 24, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the government cares little about people doing without. They want to tax and license everything they can get their hands on. Look around people. Our government spends more money on feeding foreign countries than they do their own. Some people don't have it as good as some of you complainers. I think our govenment should have a place where people like this can sell safely. There are Americans starving. Doing their best to make ends meet to make a life for there families or just earn enough money to buy medicines and gas. I guess you have not seen gas prices lately. I bet most of the people who complain could care less if the person on the side of the road is selling watermelons because they have 2 grandchildren they are having to raise. I thank the Lord I am able to eat everyday and do not have to sit out in the heat and sell melons to feed my kids. This is not a perfect world and no one is perfect. God is the only one who is perfect. Let people earn their money. The government needs to spend its time doing something useful. What about all these buildings they abandon for nice new ones built with our tax dollars. Why do they sit abandoned until they fall. The government is the one to be mad at and to complain too. They are not doing a good job. Stop trying to bring people down. Stop taxing everthing. I remember growing up. My grandparents were retired from the mills in Columbus. They had raised 7 kids. Then they were forced to raise me. My grandfather picked up cans to sell . They also planted gardens and made jellys and sold figs and catawba worms. My grandfather raised sugar cane. I am not talking big large fields. Just what he could. But you know what? We never lived off the welfare system and whatever they had to do they did it to keep us clothed and feed. My grandmother even took in laundry and cleaned others house. Just to provide. And back then it wasnt much. Has anyone ever thought to put themselves in other peoples shoes? I guess not. Be more like our Father God. Have some patience and kindness. Buying that watermelon might be feeding a toddler about the age of yours. Open your eyes to other people. Be kind. Leave these people alone or help them. Talk to your local government about getting them safe places to sell with little cost so they can feed their families. I think I will call today. If it were the other way and they were not doing these things to earn money and instead getting welfare then people would be saying they need to get a job or do anything even sell watermelons on the side of the road for petes sake...Get over yourselves people. God is watching!!!!

Posted by farfallaspeaks on July 24, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

vallenjenny,
well said. i could care less if these people don't pay taxes.
they work their butts off to grow a few tomatoes, and they sit out in the hot sun trying to sell them for dirt cheap.

I would rather get my vegetables and fruit from locals who don't pay taxes, then buy them from Harris Teeter or any other corporation that gets them from the other side of the country, and most likely pays the farmers nothing.

I buy from them every chance I get. It's local, it's cheap, and you're helping farmers in our area. They should get a break.

Posted by cassique on July 24, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anybody know where the best taco truck is? I hear some of them are great, but I can't ever find one that's open.

SmarterThanYou - You make an good point - if you're going to play, you will need some cat's eyes. I respect your opinion, but I'm going to have to say that multi-colored marbles with a heavy glaze are clearly the best.

Posted by ysillyme on July 24, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Imagine a roadside stand that sells viagara? Now I'm getting a little long in the tooth [getting older] Leave those vendors alone or the AARP will be all over N.C.

Posted by jeff61 on July 24, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am all for people making a living however they should not be allowed to setup in front of a persons home. If I read this correctly some vendors feel regardless if the home owner likes it or not they can setup in front of a home if a right of way exsists between the house and the road? The home owner should have have to deal with vendor stands out in front of thier home. I agree a safe place can be found for people to sell thier goods. I agree about the taco stands run by illegals. I am staying out of the paying taxes issue.

Posted by jeff61 on July 24, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree Archdude and most road around here would be hard press to have 50 feet, but as a home owner would you want one setup in front of your Home...Just asking,, I just think they should restrict them from in front of someones home that's all. The rest of arugments I am staying out of.

Posted by RW on July 24, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We need to get used to the idea that Govt wastes money! If govt does not have the money then cut services! Make govt do with less. No one asks us if we can afford tax increases. If the guy selling the melons was not overtaxed as it is he might not have to peddle. Besides lets go to a flat tax and eliminate the little bedwetters who are worried about whether govt has enough $!

Posted by singleroni on July 24, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

is this the same as the people selling baskets on 17N. glad north charleston haven't annex that area yet.

Posted by suec on July 24, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ok, some of you who consistantly rant about the illegal aliens are saying you support these people who are breaking the law by not paying taxes?

Posted by singleroni on July 24, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

difference in a legal citizen trying to get by and an illegal sucking the life blood from americans

Posted by Neponset on July 24, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

RW
Sales tax is a flat tax - are the peddlers collecting it?

Posted by jeff61 on July 24, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree archdude and those are place they should setup and they are not hurting anyone..I guess my only point is the home owner would have to endure one of these stands out in front of thier home and could not do anything about it... Again I am all for people making a honest living, just don't think that is right...

Posted by suec on July 24, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

singleroni,
I wonder how many of them are collecting government benefits such as disability, medicare and unemploymnet as they collect their tax free money?

Posted by CaptPete on July 24, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These stands should have permits so the city will know who is setting up shop. The council did the right thing.

Posted by sccoast1700 on July 24, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think they should leave the vendors alone. I doubt that they make all that much money that the taxes matter. Do you think everyone at a flea market is collecting taxes too?

Posted by ln1959 on July 24, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

suec:
Disability for most people are from Social Security that they have paid into while working. If your a spouse or a childed, you get those benefits also.

So if I got hurt and had to go on Social Security/Disability, its mine. I paid for it while working.

I have no problem with these people being out there selling there products. I look forward to them being out there when I come home. There is nothing like buy fresh tomatoes, beans, watermelons and my favorite... Boil Peanuts.

I also love to get shrimp to bring back with me, since a pound of shrimp up North is 7 to 8 dollars a pound.

Most of these people have paid they dues. Worked, retired and just doing something that brings them a little extra money.

From all of the stands that I have seen not one has been in front of someones else home. Its usually the home of the person thats selling the products.

Posted by KidYendor on July 24, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Property owners should be able to have a little bit of say in who is on the other side of their fence/property and next to the road for a long length of time. But I have nothing against underground economies where people have wares to sell and don't declare income or all of the income to prevent the SCDOR and IRS from confiscating the fruits of labor. People need to hold on to all the cash they can make.

Posted by UrGatorbait on July 24, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thomas you are one the most anal retentive people I've ever run across. If they make a few bucks without the Government taxing them; than more power to them. The law is the law? Please think outside the box if you can. Will taxing these vendors really do anything significant? Probably not, but hey it's thinking. Take off the blinders dude the world is gray sorry if that appears to chap your ramrod straight inflexible persona.

This is a revenue generator for the city of N Chas. Nothing more. These people are making extra bucks to live on and the pompous so and so's are quick to condemn. I guess in the uber-Patriot's world we should tax kids making money cutting grass no? Tax people selling things on ebay? or at swap meets?

I'm pretty sure the answer starts out , uh uh uh... Yes I'm sure you all report every dime and don't take deductions. What a bunch of hypocrites.

Now go worship your Big Government statue.

Thank you for the post In1959

Posted by idennis on July 24, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man... I see people on here worried about some boiled peanut man not paying tax or worried about them coming in front of their home. People get a grip! This isn't about the glorious govt of NC protecting a damn thing of yours, it's about another way to gouge another segment of the people. Lemme ask you home owners of No Chas something. Every year you pay the "storm water tax" right? Now think, other than a pickup truck with two guys riding around and storm water dept on the door have you ever seen any other indication of the dept? And I'm sure those guys in that truck work for the Dept of Public Works... Ahh something to get the ole brain a working eh...

So when you hollar and scream about these mega-vendors along the side of the road, think... Its the money... Show me the money.. Another way to put the big $ in the city's spending hands.

Another word to ponder is accountablity.. lol.. thats one you wont hear from the Mayors gang aka city council...

Leave em alone Keithy boy.. and for you who are deathly afraid they will sell poison tomatoes.... DONT STOP...

I gotta quit typing so I can eat my peanuts.............

Posted by UrGatorbait on July 24, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just another thought or two for the Big Government worshipers out there that need the government to tell them what is right or wrong and hence have much trouble thinking beyond "The Law/Black and white" etc. and so forth.

Maybe the ones who sell the produce need to because they, like a our uber patriot boy scout Thomas and the sidekick suec, where hopping that may be SS and other government benefits would cover them in retirement. Well they have found out the hard way it isn't enough but have found a niche to earn some cash with out the gubmint taxing it and handing it out to others who aren't so industrious to folks like the Kangaroo baby machine in another article.

Maybe they have had medical or other expenses or unfortunate circumstances that causes them to need to earn the extra money to live on instead of being dependent on the gubmint for handouts that some of you railed against in the Kangaroo baby machine article. Maybe?

I can tell the difference between an illegal and a person who has paid into the "system" for years and the promises and the expectations made to them weren't what they really received.

Or maybe they just don't like paying taxes or the IRS. Shame on them...not

Posted by Girleygirl on July 24, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do you think these folks are selling over 1600 watermelons per year? For $5 bucks a watermelon that vendor made $8000 if they sold 1600 watermelons in a year. If that was the vendors only source of income, then more than likely he did not have to file a return or he filed a zero return.

Posted by jeff61 on July 24, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The real issue here is Wilbur is out on Dorchester Road selling watermelons for $3.00 and not over in goose creek selling them for $3.00..They look like pretty nice melons for three bucks....

Posted by zoomru on July 24, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mayor Summey and the Council.......

What are you doing??? Mayor! you can't help but shoot yourself in the FOOT! Are you going to put up with this type of reporting??? Once again...the slant on this article makes you and the council look like "OTIS" from Mayberry. WHAT is your side of this issue??? I know what it should be!! YOU ...SIR should get a grip and jump all over this OPPURTUNITY.!! ANY ...ANY! roadside vendor should have an official North Charleston Vendor "BANNER" or FLAG displayed in open view promoting the cities commitment to business!!

Are you asleep behind the jalapeno JEEP!??

YOU ...SIR should have a property owner tax "CREDIT" and right of way "GUIDELINES" to promote property owner and vendor business HARMONY?!! MY...GOODNESS!! These vendors should get something for the 50 bucks!! In return you get WHAT??? YOUR DUE RESPECT.....!! If you are a forward thinker....get yourself on a "watermelon" DIET and help Johnny's Suzuki sell some cars to generate some TAX REVENUE and promote roadside vending in your city?!! Get yourself a big ol' SLAB of watermelon and get into a lively converation with JOHNNY!! If you want to impress the "LEGAL" Latinos residing in your voting district, ride around in one of the LEGAL Taco trucks with a big flag and promote the business?!!

SUMMEY and the COUNCIL....this is an OPPURTUNITY!!

Can't you see anything??

Posted by theronce on July 24, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can hardly worry about my fellow laborers, taxpayers, and citizens working the system created by the fiscally corrupt and unethical oppression, both in taxing and in spending, by our government. This is a problem wholely created by our government at all levels. They are so smart, and we are so dumb. Look at us, eating our young, so to speak.

Posted by suec on July 24, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My point was not really whether what they are doing is wrong or not. They point was that a lot of people will jump to their defense. Yet if this were a hispanic looking fellow I bet some you would be burning him at the stake.

So now carry on with your "but they are illegal" rants.

Posted by eyfigueroa on July 24, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How did such a simple article create such a ruckus?

Posted by UrGatorbait on July 24, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

suec said:
"I wonder how many of them are collecting government benefits such as disability, medicare and unemploymnet as they collect their tax free money?"

You were implying they were doing wrong. If your point was that'll we'll jump to the defense then say it and stop dancing around the watermelon truck.

I'm gonna looking for this guy tomorrow those melons looked good.

Posted by yourmom on July 24, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i enjoy stopping along side the road and buying good produce for a cheaper price, LEAVE THOSE PEOPLE ALONE, dont we have anything better to do with our money and time!!!!????!!!

Posted by Time4action on July 24, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good advertising for the vendors! I bet their business picks up.

Posted by idennis on July 24, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Then mooncalf just dont stop.... but allow us that priviledge.

Now tell me where that parade is???

Posted by jeff61 on July 24, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I never said a goddamm thing about them being illegal... I just said I would not want people out in front of my house setting up shop and I wish Wilbur was over my way selling those $3.00 melons.. A lot cheaper then what Stephie was selling her melons for.....Ok forget I said that... ever fall in mud,, could not get up.. get kicked in the head with an Iron Boot... of course not... no body has... forget I asked that..

Posted by jeff61 on July 24, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually and I think I may have bought some Melons from this guy years ago.. I think he is located in a "field" before you get to Cross County Road on Dorchester heading towards Summerville. Some of the best Melons I bought...

Posted by seriouslyb4real on July 24, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Get a real job , and move on folks!

Posted by kvnwells on July 24, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This has been a community tradition for years. It's help to make the region what it is today, with it's people and way of life.

This is what happens when you get people from elsewhere that look at things and people as an eyesore. The real eyesore are the depressed communities in which they left to move to lowcounty area.

Posted by jeff61 on July 24, 2008 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by kvnwells on July 24, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This has been a community tradition for years. It's help to make the region what it is today, with it's people and way of life.

I am not so sure it was the watermelon or peanut vendor that caught the attention of the local gov.. Maybe some in the area do read these posts and the rants against the illeagls..nothing wrong with the rants mind you. Maybe that is where the focus is???....just saying...

Posted by ferrer1017 on July 26, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have difficulty criticizing someone who wants to work to make a living instead of waiting for a welfare check. Hard working immigrants and native Americans made America what it is today. All citizens using government money should be expected to pay their fair share of taxes. Some of these stands sell very good quality. Just beware of any vendor selling fresh fish from the back of a pickup truck with an Oklahoma or Kansas license plate !