Street vendors in Jackson Heights who help lend the neighborhood its multi-cultural feel could be kicked to the curb if Councilwoman Helen Sears' succeeds in creating a proposed "vendor-free zone."

Sears' proposed vendor-free zone would apply to Roosevelt, 35th, and 37th avenues and would extend roughly from 72nd to 82nd streets, according to community groups opposed to the plan.

In a statement, the councilwoman said the zone would address quality of life issues, improve security, and help small business owners losing customers to street vendors.

"I called for a vendor-free zone because the area has become overly dense with vending carts that impede traffic and threaten public safety," Sears said. "Many of the carts are operated illegally, and residents and small businesses have long taken issue with them."

Though it appears vendors remain unsure how the plan might be implemented if it takes effect, they took to the streets July 16 to protest the proposal in front of Sears' 25th District office in Jackson Heights.

The rally was organized by community groups, including Vamos Unidos, which is advocating for more, not less, street vendor licenses to promote small business in the area.

After the rally, street vendors spoke against the plan, saying it directly threatens their livihoods. Many spoke of discrimination, arguing that Sears' plan is an attempt to drive immigrants out of the community.

A vast majority of the vendors in ethnically mixed area are foreign born. Sears has rejected these claims out of hand.

"They say we make the streets ugly," said one vendor, Marcelo Fazzalari, "not taking into account that we are families and we are trying to survive in this area."

Fazzalari, who sells graphic tee shirts from a table, is new to the street vendor world, having lost his job during the recession. His anger was shared by veteran vendors up and down Roosevelt Avenue who work in the proposed vendor free zone.

"Where else will I go?" said Maria de los Angeles, who sells traditional Mexican food from a stand on Roosevelt Avenue and 76th Street.

She said she was afraid if she loses her business, finding a new job will prove especially difficult right now.

"It's bad," she added. "There's no work anywhere."

Another vendor named Chris, who only gave his first name, said people of moderate incomes rely on street vendors for inexpensive clothes, goods, and food.

He said in this way street vendors perform a necessary economic function, while also adding character to the area.

"Tell them to [ban vendors] in Manhattan before they come to a poor area," he said.

Sears said the plan is not intended to target immigrants, and vowed to work with the groups who rallied against the plan to find a mutually acceptable solution.

"I welcome constituents voicing their concerns and look forward to addressing the issues they have brought with them today," Sears said in a statement after the rally. "This area is a mosaic of cultures and people, and we have all worked hard to make it a harmonious place to live for everyone."