1 Kristina Santana
From: Sun Sun <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2023 10:28 AM
To: Kristina Santana
Subject: For Public Comment 8/1/23
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Dear Diamond Bar City Officials,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to address the impending changes to Diamond Bar's business licensing code in compliance with SB 946 and SB 972, which would enable the issuance of street vending permits. While I understand the need to adapt our regulations, I urge you to consider our community's well-being, environmental impact, and safety before distributing permits without careful vetting.
I wholeheartedly welcome street vendors who abide by our laws and contribute to the cleanliness of our community. I commend those who work diligently to earn an honest living. However, it is crucial that we also safeguard the rights of our residents and businesses in Diamond Bar.
Without stringent permit regulations, street vendors may gain an unfair advantage over our established stores and restaurants. With low overhead costs, they could undercut existing businesses, leading to economic hardships for our local enterprises. The potential closure of these businesses would further diminish city tax revenue, and our shopping centers might become gathering spots for the homeless. Moreover, street vendors predominantly dealing in cash transactions may not pay their fair share of taxes.
Another concern is the obstruction of sidewalks caused by street vendors and their customers. This poses a serious safety risk, as pedestrians are forced to walk onto the street to bypass these obstacles. An incident I witnessed on Diamond Bar Blvd, north of Golden Springs, near the Mobile Gas station, involved pedestrians having to step into oncoming traffic or use the parking lot to circumvent street vendors. Our sidewalks are intended to ensure pedestrian safety by separating them from vehicular traffic. Allowing many vendors to occupy these spaces could lead to an increase in traffic accidents within our city.
Diamond Bar has garnered praise for its cleanliness and beauty compared to cities that permit street vendors at every intersection. Unfortunately, street food vendors can attract 2 rodents and cockroaches if proper food disposal practices are not followed. Unlike established restaurants that maintain clean dining areas for their customers, street vendors lack the incentive to uphold such standards, often relocating to different spots each day.
I want to emphasize that my intent in writing this letter is not solely to highlight the negative aspects of street vending. Instead, I implore our city leaders to establish rigorous standards for the permit process. Designating safe zones for street vendors would ensure that everyone can enjoy our public spaces while minimizing potential hazards.
Additionally, conducting frequent inspections to verify permits and enforce cleanliness and safety regulations would be beneficial for our community's well-being.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns. I trust that with careful consideration and thoughtful decision-making, Diamond Bar will continue to thrive as a community that balances progress with the preservation of its unique identity.
Sincerely,
Jack