Greek N.Y.C Newsstand Owner Causes Talk in the City

Jerry Delakas, a Greek-American from the Greek island of Kefalonia, has finally struck a deal to get back his precious newsstand license on Astor Place, outside the downtown 6, New York.

Delakas has spent the last few years at the center of a legal fight with the N.Y. Department of Consumer Affairs so as to determine whether or not he can stay in the stand he has been operating since 1987.

Back then, Delakas struck a deal to rent the newsstand from its owner for $75 a week. After his death and according to the owner’s wishes, the executors attempted to transfer the license to Delakas but the Department of Consumer Affairs denied, insisting ownership can only pass from one member of a family to another. Delakas’ newsstand was shut down and was left with the notice “This establishment has been closed for operating illegally.”

“They took it away. People are disappointed. This is what I call a piece of landmark. I’m going into the hospital tomorrow. Don’t call me. I give this information to the people as part of my business. I give newspapers. I give information. It’s business. It will be back. I will be back,” stated Delakas in an interview, optimistic that his newsstand would be operating again.

The story of the Greek-American has gathered great support over the last months among citizens of the Big Apple. Facebook pages were created and public campaigns were organized in support of the historic Astor Place cube. Even the former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, was made aware of the case.

All these actions led to the legal dispute with the city council being over and the fine imposed on Delakas for operating without a license being reduced from $37,000 to $9,000, an amount he will be able to pay off in just a couple of months, as he states. The famous newsstand has been finally rescued and the Greek-American even attained a lifelong operating license.

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