Because peddlers don't keep moving, city might move them off King StreetBy David Slade (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Friday, July 25, 2008
Tyrone Walker Dasha Golovanava peddles Italian ice Thursday on the sidewalk along King Street near Market Street in downtown Charleston. Related storyVendors don't see wrong in right of way 7.24.2008 At first glance, it would be difficult to tell the difference between the two Italian ice carts on King Street near Market Street on Thursday afternoon, each staffed by a young woman who offered samples to passers-by. One cart, operated by All That's Good, is considered a vendor, which is a company that rents a marked-off space on the street from the city. The other, operated by Giovanni's Italian Ice, is considered a peddler. Peddlers sell from carts on the sidewalk and, in the eyes of the city, have become a public nuisance that may soon be banned from King Street. Charleston lets peddlers sell their wares on sidewalks after obtaining a free peddler's license and a business license, but the city has also banned peddling from most of the downtown locations with heavy foot traffic. Most of King Street has been an exception, until now. Peddlers are supposed to keep moving unless they are busy making a sale, but city officials say they have been parking on the sidewalk, causing pedestrians to walk in the street to get around them. Police Chief Greg Mullen decided something must be done, according to Adelaide Andrews, an attorney for the city. "We have tried to just warn the peddlers, but that was not working," Andrews said. "The chief's thought was, this is such a problem that we need to go ahead and prohibit the moving carts." She said the heart of the problem has been on King Street between Market and Calhoun streets. On Thursday, The Post and Courier found just one peddler on that stretch of King Street. It was a Giovanni's cart, parked on the sidewalk for at least an hour, in the shade of an awning at Charleston Place. Company owner George Lopez said he just learned of the proposed ban on King Street peddling, and said he can't understand why the city would hurt a Charleston business during an economic downturn. "It sounds a little crazy to me," he said. "I think it's just the big-name stores pushing for this ban. Maybe once in a blue moon, somebody has to walk around us. They (the cart operators) are supposed to keep moving, but you're dealing with kids, and it does get hot." There are 16 on-street spots in downtown Charleston that the city makes available to carts that sell refreshments, snacks and reading material. Less than half are leased to vendors, and peddlers can use the others on a first-come basis if they buy a $450 decal from the city. Lopez said most of the spots are in poor locations. Andrews said neither city revenue nor complaints from vendors and businesses are behind the proposed King Street ban, which would extend from Morrison Drive to Carolina Street. "This was initiated by Chief Mullen," she said. City Council will take a final vote on the ban Aug. 19. Reach David Slade at 37-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 39 comment(s)
Posted by Thomas1776 on July 25, 2008 at 2:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another much bigger problem is the rickshaws and the carriage tours. Getting rid of them is must more important than some peddler on a side walk.
Posted by watchdog on July 25, 2008 at 4:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you get rid of one, then get rid of all the vendors like ALL THAT'S GOOD.
Posted by stand828 on July 25, 2008 at 4:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's see... who else can Chief Mullen piss off before summer's over?
Posted by CMLMADDOG on July 25, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God help you if you're caught eating an Italian Ice on an art walk downtown.
Posted by RW on July 25, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Govt cracking down on people trying to make a living!
Posted by a_set_love on July 25, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The love and compassion of true Liberal Democrats.
In some places around America the cure is a little money under the table.
I wonder if that happens here?
Posted by feb251939 on July 25, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe "The Little King" should just levy one of his famous 'one penny fee increases' on their businesses.
Posted by DoaMM on July 25, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get one of those tricycle carts that has the ice cream "trunk" on it and ride around on the road just like the carriage tours do. They stop, hold up traffic to show off some old structure, and taxis stop, hold up traffic to pick up someone.
Why can't a person selling goods on a bike hold up traffic while people walk freely on the sidewalk?
Problem solved...
Posted by zoomru on July 25, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well.. if the CITY and COUNTY and STATE ..DON'T MOVE! ..on behalf of taxpayers and CLOSE our landfill and incinerator using the plasma machines from www.startech.net ; WE will MOVE there sorry backsides right out of OFFICE!!!
Posted by charlestonnative1963 on July 25, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like the new chief has a problem. First-the silly tickets for wine at art walks. Now this. We are a tourist town-other places that are tourist towns---seem to allow this type of thing with no problems. Maybe we made a mistake when we hired the new chief.
Posted by Early on July 25, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I say put hookers in their place, they take up less room and people would not have to walk in the street to get around them.
Posted by zoomru on July 25, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayor Riley....are YOU NUTS!!
At least spin this into a POSITIVE?! Come on you "RASCALLY RABBIT"..."TRICKS are for KIDS !!" and your no magician. You need to understand that more business is good business! Don't you HATE coming back to US to increase TAXES?? We know your doing something ...WHAT?? DOn't let this paper spin you in the rinse cycle! Get busy and "GO NASCAR"...that's right ....declare some "PIT STOP" ZONES for the vendors on their track circuit. Get them to display the OFFICIAL CITY FLAG that states that YOU promote VENDOR business?!! Wholly Toledo! We want you to CUT taxes not tax reveune sources?? Heck get DANICA PATRICK TO DO A INFO SPOT FOR THE CITY!!! We have the best VENDORS IN THE COUNTRY and they generate more revenue for the city than ol' rascally SUMMEY's road side STANDS do for N Charleston!!! We want to see a competition!!
Posted by DoaMM on July 25, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I like the hookers idea. It'll be a full-on relocation effort: Spruill Ave to King St and vice versa. That'll beef up the tourist revenue for sure!
Posted by icbmman on July 25, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, I at first thought hiring the new chief was a good move, but all he seems to be caring about is hacking away the pleasant things that are supposed to make going downtown a pleasant experience. Is this how they did things in his prior city, Virginia Beach? Pretty stupid, if you ask me, especially because this is a tourism city.
Instead of placing an emphasis on cleaning up places around East and West side (which severely need it), he chooses to crack down on minor, trivial matters. These peddlers of Italian Ice are actually nice to have around during the summer months, and they're hardly a nuisance.
Posted by ln1959 on July 25, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This new Chief is leaving his mark. Guess he is trying to get you all to forget about Greenburg.
Pretty soon, your not going to be able to chew gum while walking down the street in Charleston.
Pretty soon, Chief Mullen and Mayor Joe will have you all cleaning your shows before you jump out your car in down town.
Posted by DoaMM on July 25, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
icbmman wrote, "he chooses to crack down on minor, trivial matters."
Yep, you're right. That's SOOOO much easier to do than tackle the big matters. But then again, maybe he has a "super secret" plan for the big matters and this "Italian Ice Infestation" is just a smoke screen.
One day there's drug dealing and chewed gum being stuck on telephone poles, then we wake up the next day and the downtown area is gleamingly clean with free puppet shows on every street corner and cotton candy in every hand. There'll be rides and glitter everywhere from the parades that happen three times a day every weekend. It'll be swell!
...no mimes, though...or clowns...
Posted by BigSargeofSC on July 25, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets see how this sceen sounds to y'all:
"A tourist was arrested today on multiple charges by Charleston Police. The man was first noticed at a local art show sipping on a glass of wine. Undercover agents were called in to put surveillance on the tourist in order to build a stronger case. After days of observation, a collaboration of SLED, SWAT, and local law enforcement officers busted into the tourist's hotel room and made the arrest. After being confronted with evidence, the tourist plead guilty to several charges: 1) Public Intoxication 2) Accessory after the Fact to a Public Nuisance because he made several purchases of Itailian Ice Cream 3) Defacing Government Property because he placed his chewing gum on a light pole before each purchase of ice cream. Because the tourist is a flight risk, bail was denied and the tourist remains in custody at the CCDC."
I'm guessing that the drug dealers, gang-bangers, and other scum are enjoying the police chief. Thus far, he doesn't seem that interested in fighting those crimes.
Posted by Snake on July 25, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
With the slew of rapes, murders, arson, etc. on the streets of Downtown lately, you'd think the Ole' Chief would have something more exciting to do than put teenagers' summer jobs in jeopardy.
Oh well, I guess these peddlers can be more of a threat than any of those other "small time crooks" running the streets.... Way to go Charleston.
Posted by OverHere on July 25, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by DoaMM on July 25, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get one of those tricycle carts that has the ice cream "trunk" on it and ride around on the road just like the carriage tours do. They stop, hold up traffic to show off some old structure, and taxis stop, hold up traffic to pick up someone.
Why can't a person selling goods on a bike hold up traffic while people walk freely on the sidewalk?
Problem solved...
EXACTLY
Posted by Egap on July 25, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Not enough revenue taken in perhaps? Things must be getting slow over at the "Livability Court".
Posted by CHRISJIII on July 25, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is too ridiculous for words. Instead of concentrating on crime the police chief is instead looking to harrass people trying to make an honest buck!! I think that the push cart vendors are an asset to downtown as many have said previously. This is a tourist destination after all and it gets hot on King Street.Perhaps the chief is going for the role of crown prince to the mayor's king.
Posted by DoaMM on July 25, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Big Sarge Wrote: "...Because the tourist is a flight risk, bail was denied and the tourist remains in custody at the CCDC."
They would also hold his passport and Driver's License.
But see, that scenario that you just gave us is the sole reason I carry a flask! I just duck behind a building, take a swig, and I'm loaded and back out on the street! It's got a cap on it, therefore it's not an open container, right? HA!
Posted by grannyofsix on July 25, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early you are bad to the bone LOL
Posted by singleroni on July 25, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THIS POLICE CHIEF IS A NUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOVE HIM TO NORTH CHARLESTON HE WILL FIT IN THEE BETTER. THEY DONT HAVE A REAL POLICE CHIEF IN N CHAS.
Posted by cpanther515 on July 25, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
zoomru it's you're(you are)not: YOUR NO MAGICIAN.
Your quote: (At least spin this into a POSITIVE?! Come on you "RASCALLY RABBIT"..."TRICKS are for KIDS !!" and your no magician.)
Posted by UrGatorbait on July 25, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pretty soon you'll be marching in formation through downtown or you'll be needing passes to get around town on authorized travel days designated by the first letter of your last name after waiting approx 60 days for the background check, urinalysis and blood work to come back. You'll also have to sign a consent form for random on the street pee tests. Please remember citizens that drinking water is only in permitted in designated areas and at the authorized times. Enjoy your visit. :)
"Let me see your papers. You have papers? Off to the klink for you!"
Heir Mullen needs to inflate his "crime fighting" stats to impress people real progress is being made.
This is ridiculous.
Posted by Tammie on July 25, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't see where the vendors are a nuisance, they are a welcome sight on hot days like the ones we're been having. Not like they're going: "Would you like to try a free sample of my italian ice?...No?!" *gun shots*
Like many of you said, with all of the more pressing issues going on downtown (rape, robbery, etc), you think that'd be his focus. His priorities are all messed up.
Posted by Charleston_21 on July 25, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The peddlers don't take up THAT much room. Sure people might crowd around it now and then but I think one of the issues may be the sidewalks, they're not really that wide. I know there really is no way to extend our sidewalks because it's already tough trying to drive on King street with TWO lanes.. so why punish the peddlers (who only really work during the summer)?
I can sort of see where he is coming from by possibly not wanting to hurt people walking on the sidewalk by risking them getting hit by a car when they do walk in the road, but at the same time, it's kind of hard to do anything downtown without having much room because it's so cramped.
Posted by hoyce on July 25, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess it's the easiest way to make it look like you're doing good. Forget about the areas prone to shootings or all of the traffic fatalities-- we're going after the big ones art walk drinkers and italian ice peddlers!!!
Posted by Early on July 25, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Geeeeeet that hair off of your collar son, you are in violation of the tourist code of Charleston.
I bet he barks orders to his wife while having the 47 seconds of sex too!
Posted by YankeeLady on July 25, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The musicians who are out there trying to collect some extra cash must have permits, too, if I'm not mistaken. Maybe someone should start checking on them, too. They're not supposed to be playing in restricted areas, and they're there all the time.
Posted by zoomru on July 25, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Early and Cpanther.....
Since I'm no magician...I'll admit my best time is 46 !!
LOL
Posted by Egap on July 25, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've noticed with alarm, the cleanliness of the door glass at Charleston Place. Someone may not realize the door is there and bump a noggin or sumpin by walking into it. Outa be a law or code to cover such hazards to navigation.
Posted by letstakeawalk on July 25, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems that the City code already covers the issue of peddlers:
"Sec. 17-107 Obstructing Public Ways
(a) All peddlers as defined in section 17-92, who operate on the public right of ways, save and except those peddlers who are blind, physically disabled or who vend traditional sweetgrass baskets and flowers shall, at all times, maintain a constant forward motion in the peddling of his goods or services; provided, however, that any such peddler may cease his motion for such time as is necessary for the transaction of a sale. Nothing herein shall be construed to allow any peddler any right or privilege to obstruct or otherwise inhibit the free, safe and efficient flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic on any street or sidewalk even when transacting a sale."
All the CPD needs to do is enforce the law as written. If the peddlers are loitering, and not maintaining the required constant forward movement, then cite them accordingly. There's no need to ban them from any part of the city, much less King Street which is the primary commercial district - people go there for the specific purpose of shopping.
Peddlers are a long tradition in the City. They provide employment, they offer desired goods to their customers, and they support the City with the taxes they pay. Stop picking on the little guys!
Posted by letstakeawalk on July 25, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"... but the city has also banned peddling from most of the downtown locations with heavy foot traffic."
Can anyone show me where in the City Code peddlers are banned from operating in the locations described above? I can't find any area of public property that is off limits - but it's not like Mullins would be ignorant of the local laws...
"We have tried to just warn the peddlers, but that was not working," Andrews said. "The chief's thought was, this is such a problem that we need to go ahead and prohibit the moving carts."
Oh, that's right, they'd rather ban a legal practice entirely, rather than actually write a ticket. Bravo, Mullins.
Posted by scconservative on July 25, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So the little man Riley found another squishy Lib fascist for Police Chief....when are the good folks of Charleston going to get rid of that tin pot Mayor and the rest of the crooks in Charleston Guv?
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on July 25, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is it true that this chief came from VA Beach?
Posted by Eyes_N_Skies on July 25, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What? Huh???????????????????????????// Mobssssssssssssssssssssssss of tourist BLOCK the sidewalksssssssssssssssss more than dissssssssssssssssss chit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by WestAshleyMomma on July 26, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by Egap on July 25, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Not enough revenue taken in perhaps? Things must be getting slow over at the "Livability Court".
I don't know about that!!! I just got a "WEED" citiation from the Liviability Court. I had a patch of over grown weeds (no not pot) in my garden. But I think they were call by the HOA, not Chief Mullen!!!!!!!!!!