Make New York Post a Preferred Source Vendors are briefly spooked as NYPD officers arrest three vendors on Canal Street in lower Manhattan in New York, Oct. 1, 2026. Stephen Yang for NY Post The Issue: Illegal vendors’ occupation of the sidewalks along Canal Street in Lower Manhattan. These dealers have existed around Canal Street for decades (“Canal needs street sweep,” Oct. 3).
It’s illegal, but not very high on anybody’s radar compared to violent crime or illegal narcotics.
What’s wrong with allowing the general public access to knock-off products when they can’t afford the actual prices?
The only way to put a stop to the illegal vendors on Canal Street?
Go to the source: Close the shops that are importing the products from China, confiscate their goods, and make arrests.
My children and I are sick of having to avoid that stretch of Canal Street to get to our place on Franklin Street.
My mortgage payments are enough without having to run that gauntlet every day. It’s like an open-air landfill, with trash, congestion and marijuana stench.
If I wanted to visit the “Heart of Darkness,” I’d pick up the book.
The vendors on Canal Street have grown to be one of New York’s greatest tourist attractions, where immigrant entrepreneurs — like our Jewish and Italian ancestors — sell inexpensive versions of designer goods.
These products are otherwise only available at very high prices.
If The Post followed a consistent political philosophy, it would defend these pro-consumer entrepreneurs.
The wasted hours of police officers removing counterfeit goods only protects the fools who are so gullible as to purchase merchandise from the vendors.
They certainly aren’t collecting any sales tax, which should attract law enforcement.
Perhaps the FDNY could clear out the sidewalks with fire hoses.
Nothing is going to change as long as the NYPD is limited on what it can enforce. The illegal vendors know this.
It became clear at the City Council hearing on e-bike and street safety that this city has a bias against its own citizens (“Injured blast cycle of harm,” Oct. 1).
The victims — many of whom have life-altering injuries and are still paying off hospital bills from crashes for which no one was held accountable — appeared to be of little concern to anyone, but especially Councilman Shaun Abreu.
I can think of one big reason: the fact that Uber’s PAC spent more than $250,000 to support his run for the council.
Perhaps Abreu and others need to be reminded that it’s those citizens who pay their salaries and vote them in or out of office.
This is a betrayal of the public good, and the unnecessary deaths and injuries of innocent New Yorkers should not be excused.
How many fatalities or life-altering injuries must occur before the city can enact regulations against e-bikes and scooters?
Unlicensed e-bicyclists regularly exceed the speed limit of cars in certain zones, and New Yorkers commuting in the same zones are fined for speeding.
It’s perplexing that the city prioritizes delivery drivers while disregarding the interests of its taxpaying citizens.
Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.
