Vending should be improved not obstructed

Oct 30, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

We need designated areas for roadside-type vending. I know, I know. We have said it many times before but just hear me out. When given enough thought, this idea starts to present some interesting opportunities.
First off there are world-famous vending stalls in cities like New York and elsewhere. Owning a stall on certain streets in NY is in fact a dream come true. Could we in Georgetown create the necessary planning and regulatory environment to facilitate big dreams in city vending? To solve the problem of roadside vending alongside major roads, should we be thinking authoritatively or should we be thinking creatively?
What if we created useful spaces out of uncovered drainage or run-off canals? There are many throughout the city. They can be selected scientifically for this purpose. Re-construct them. Add covers to them, covers that provide interfaces with the drainage underneath and surfaces for people to vend and walk upon. The spaces themselves do not have to face the roadways so they now become these walk-through, open-air bazaars that are near to roadways but do not obstruct them in any way.
Running water can also be made available in these specially constructed spaces. What if in the context of these interfaces, an entire industry of vending unit makers springs up? Designs for these units can range from small to large, simple to complex and be available for every possible kind of vendor. All of the units should come fitted with standardised attachments that “plug in” to the interfaces provided. We have a standards bureau that can support almost every detail of this. These units can be bought, sold, rented, swapped or upgraded. With a wide range of vending units, anyone can easily enter and exit the vending business. There are so many interesting value-chain possibilities here.
Designated spaces are easier to secure, easier to maintain, can be the target of various forms of funding and upgrade and they can provide opportunities for open-air or shaded bazaars (maybe with solar panels atop for supplementing the grid?). People can pay a modest sum for using certain spaces.
Some spaces should remain free to use. For these optimalities we have applied sciences and where appropriate, common sense – there should be nothing to fear – that is if we can think constructively instead of obstructively. Editor, should we not DESIGN our way out of our problems? Should we not BUILD our way out of disorder, inconvenience and hazard? Should we not make life EASIER for vendors and patrons? Do we not see opportunities for DIGNITY and PROSPERITY in the problem of roadside vending?

Sincerely,
Emille Giddings

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