SAN FRANCISCO, CA (KGO) --
A century-old tradition in San Francisco could be turned
upside down.
A century-old tradition in San Francisco could be turned
upside down. Vendors who sell flowers on the sidewalks could
face a new set of rules that may put them out of business.
If you've been to Union Square, chances are you've seen
86 year old Al Nalbandian. His flower stand has been on
the corner next to Macy's for more than half a century.
"It's the pride of our life, the pride of our families.
It's a tradition," says Nalbandian.
The history of San Francisco's flower stands goes back to
1904. For the most part, the sidewalk operations have been
handed down from generation to generation. However, Supervisor
Jake McGoldrick says it's time for that practice to end.
"This belief that you can pass it on to heirs. You
can't pass on public property for private gain. It's public
property," says McGoldrick.
Salamon Murdoch's spot outside Neiman Marcus has been in
his family for 45 years. His father passed it on to him.
Honestly, I don't think anybody else would take the flower
stands after being in the family. You have to be groomed
to do this," says Murdoch.
Supervisor McGoldrick believes that opportunity should be
open to everyone. Vendors currently pay about $750 dollars
a year for a permit. McGoldrick says he discovered cases
where operators were selling them.
You don't go and sell a piece of public land for up to $100,000
dollars. It doesn't belong to you. It belongs to the people
of San Francisco."
McGoldrick is proposing five year limits on permits, and
when the term is up, there would be a lottery. The current
vendors would be grandfathered in and could pass on their
business to spouses or domestic partners, but not their
children.
"That's a little hard to believe. I think it's wrong,"
says Patricia Lee, flower vendor.
Patricia Lee is one of those who bought a permit a few years
ago. Now, she says she's really worried about what will
happen. The supervisor has made some adjustments to his
legislation. For example, he originally wanted the permits
to be for just two years, but now it's five. This is far
from a done deal. There will be another hearing in three
weeks and then the full board will weigh in.
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