Advocate Shoshana Bernstein claims that the vendors were evicted from the market because the person running it never paid the rent, despite taking money from the vendors selling on the property.
Documents showed that that accusation is false and that the tenant paid the rent for the space in a timely manner. While the vendors did receive an eviction notice, the terms of the lease show the agreement for a 10-year period that runs from 2013 to 2023. Some vendors say they were aware of that agreement.
However, these vendors are now worried about how they will make a living following the AquaDuck Flea Market’s closure.
They say that during the COVID-19 pandemic, their businesses surged due to many storefront closures. However, many say that the expansion of vendor business created concerns for the neighborhood, including lack of cleanliness and parking in the area.
Some vendors say that they have moved to a lot across the street, while others are remaining on the street outside of the property.
News 12 has reached out to the NYPD on how these vendors will be regulated and is awaiting a response.