Dear Neighbors and Members of Our Rockaway Community,

We are writing to you because we believe our neighbors deserve to hear directly from us about a situation that has affected our small family business and, ultimately, our community.

For years, we have proudly operated our licensed street vending business right here in the neighborhood where we also live. We chose to build our business here because Rockaway is our home, not simply a place where we work. Our goal has always been to serve residents and visitors while being respectful of our neighbors and contributing positively to the area.

Recently, false claims have been made that we are operating illegally. As a result, our business has been subjected to repeated visits and inspections by various city agencies.

We want our neighbors to know one simple fact: we operate legally. We have obtained the licenses, permits, and documentation required for our type of business, and we continue to comply with applicable regulations. Each time authorities have been sent to investigate these allegations, they have verified our compliance and allowed us to continue operating.

While we understand and respect the role of city agencies in enforcing the law, repeated complaints based on claims that have not been substantiated have had a significant impact on our family and our business. Constant inspections interrupt our ability to serve customers, create unnecessary stress, and consume public resources that could be directed toward genuine violations and public safety concerns.

We have always believed that being a good neighbor is just as important as operating a successful business.

Our operation is intentionally small. We work from a Sprinter van. We do not own or leave trailers parked on the street overnight. We strive to keep our area clean, operate respectfully, and be considerate of the people who live nearby.

Many of you remember what this block was like before we established our business. It was common for people from outside the neighborhood to park here for long periods, gather to party, loiter, play loud music, leave trash behind, and disturb the peace of residents. By simply being present and operating responsibly, we believe we have helped create a more orderly environment for neighbors, families, and beach visitors alike. We are grateful that many residents have shared those observations with us over the years.

We have recently become aware that representatives of a local civic association have advocated for our removal, describing us as "illegal street vendors." We respectfully disagree with that characterization. We also believe that any discussion about the future of our neighborhood should include the voices of the residents who live here every day, including those who have supported our business for years.

This is not about asking for special treatment. It is about asking to be treated fairly.

Like every small business owner, we simply want the opportunity to earn an honest living while following the law and being a positive part of our community.

If our business has had a positive impact on your experience in the neighborhood, we respectfully ask for your support. Your voice matters. By signing our community petition or sharing your own experiences, you can help ensure that decisions about our neighborhood reflect the experiences of the people who actually live here.

We are incredibly grateful for the kindness, encouragement, and support so many of you have shown us over the years. It is because of this community that we have been able to continue doing what we love.

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter and for standing with local families, small businesses, and a community that works best when neighbors support one another.

With gratitude,

Surfboard Tribe NYC
Licensed New York City Street Vendor
Proud Rockaway Residents and Small Business Owners

How You Can Help

If you believe our business has been a positive part of this neighborhood, we respectfully ask for your support.

Please consider signing our community petition, sharing your own experience with our business, and helping spread awareness of our situation.

We also ask that you share this letter with your HOA board members, block association leaders, neighbors, friends, and especially with residents throughout the Arverne community.The more people who are informed about the facts and have the opportunity to voice their own experiences, the more likely it is that decisions affecting our neighborhood will reflect the perspectives of the community as a whole.

We believe that a strong community is built on open communication, fairness, and neighbors supporting one another. Your voice can make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for standing with local families, small businesses, and the people who call Rockaway home.