In the last few weeks we’ve been following the plight of Marilyn Louie, the Bowery newsstand operator fighting City Hall. After 35 years at 18 Bowery (near Pell Street), city officials told Louie she would have to move because the newsstand was three inches too wide for the sidewalk.
Community Board 3 passed a resolution in February urging city agencies to reconsider. This afternoon, a spokesperson for the Department of Consumer Affairs confirmed that Louie has been given a “three month temporary operating letter.” it is good through June 30th. Louie has been given extensions of three separate occasions. In the past couple of weeks, officials paid a visit to the Bowery, re-measuring the distance between the newsstand and the nearest building.
it’s not a permanent victory, but for Louie, any reprieve is welcome. We’ll let you know what else we hear.
