Executive Director Monami Malik of Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM) disclosed to the Weekly Thikana that Councilwoman Helen Sears would begin her vendor eviction project within a few days. She predicted that human rights organizations like DRUM would protest against her plans. The organizations will launch initiatives to counter Helen Sears' project, stating it is a violation of human rights.
The owners of these vending shops, predominately Bangladeshis and Hispanics, provide for their families with these businesses. If Helen Sears goes ahead with her project, essentially she would be throwing the vendors out on the streets and into a very harsh economic climate. The owners of these businesses mostly deal in Islamic books, Asian and Latino food, fresh vegetables and other commodities that cater specifically to the ethnic demographics of the area. Jackson Heights has turned into the favorite location for South Asians and Hispanics and is a hub of Bangladeshi pride.
DRUM's Malik called on area residents and businesses to unite and raise their voices against this vendor eviction project, in order to clamp down on what could become continuous antagonistic activities against the communities.
Meanwhile, a member of the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association and a local businessman said that area residents filed several complaints with the Community Board: first, the shops on 73rd Street remain open 24 hours, when all the shops should close by 10 p.m.; second, there is an increase in the number of rats invading their houses due to the surrounding grocery shops; third, there are numerous complaints about noise due to the shops remaining open all night and people staying outdoors to socialize late into the night.
The Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association (JBBA) held a meeting with the Community Board last week to discuss these complaints. A representative of the Association said that their meeting was fruitful, with 35 businessmen participating, including JBBA President Piar Mohammed, Vice President Barkat Ali, Harun Bhuiyan and former President Syed M Mannan, and M. Aziz, president of Bangladesh Society.
Several resolutions were proposed; however, there was no agreement on how to deal with the rat infestation, so the city is now investigating the matter.
