Some Hispanic small business owners and entrepreneurs expressed frustration with the city, which they blamed for excessive regulations that have made running their businesses more difficult.
"Owning a business in New York City is a challenge," said Mirriam Collado, independent operator of a CTown supermarket in the Bronx for the past 15 years. "A lot of things have changed, and a lot of rules have changed."
Collado is not alone in this sentiment. New York City has more expensive limited liability corporation publication requirements than other states, while its labor and fixed costs are also much higher, according to Eli Dvorkin of the Center for an Urban Future.
Then there are the numerous city regulations and higher taxes unique to New York.
"The city makes things hard. It really does," said Roberto Gil, owner of the Casa Kids, a children's furniture company. "There's nowhere to put a van anymore."
Gil notes how the increase in bicycle lanes under Mayor Bill de Blasio has changed delivery methods for trucks idling on the street. He mentioned needing to hire three men for one delivery job, so two can move the furniture while one drives the truck around the block because there is no longer parking. He's also encountered issues with installing his furniture pieces into buildings due to insurance requirements and disposing of trash into dump trucks because of Department of Sanitation regulations.
"If I moved my shop to New Jersey, I'd save 10-to-15% right off the bat from rent, cheaper insurance, less taxes, and spending less time on deliveries," Gil admitted.
Other business owners complain of incessant fines and penalties.
As the owner of Salsa Caterers, Danny Garcia has served all five boroughs for 30 years and has received citations from the New York City Department of Health.
"They come quite often and there's always a ticket," he said. "Sometimes the jobs have to be justified, so they need to find a ticket."
Even with his frustration with local government, Garcia expressed gratitude for the opportunity New York City has given him.
"We've been blessed with a lot of growth over the years," he said. "I've always networked and looked for opportunity."
October 06, 2020 at 07:00PM
https://www.crainsnewyork.com/diversity-inclusion/city-doesnt-make-it-easy-hispanic-businesses
City doesn't make it easy for Hispanic businesses - Crain's New York Business
https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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