By Adam Nichols
DNAinfo News Editor
EAST VILLAGE — A beloved vendor who has sold newspapers from his Cooper Square stand for 24 years is being booted by the city, according to reports.
Jerry Delakas, 62, is being ordered out of his kiosk on Astor Place, at Lafayette Street, despite the license holder for the newstand leaving it to him in her will, the Daily News reported.
"I've spent more time on this corner than any corner on earth," he told the News.
"It's like a second home."
Area residents said the man, who has a thick Greek accent, is a neighborhood institution.
"Jerry's here rain, snow, sleet, blistering heat," neighbor Larry Schulz, 68, told the News.
"He's just a real important part of our community."
Delakas started working the stand for his friend, Katherine Ashley, renting the spot for $75 a week.
When she died, she indicated in her will that he should continue to sell the news from that spot.
But the license actually went to her husband, who died last year.
His estate tried to get a renewal, but the city has denied it because nobody in the family planned to operate it as their "principal employment," court papers seen by the News said.
Delakas contacted the city to take over the license, but was also denied because the deal he made with the former licensee was illegal.
"Newstand vendors cannot rent their license out," the Department of Consumer Affairs told him, according to the News.
A legal challenge by Delakas was unsuccessful, though his lawyer is hopeful the city will change its mind.
"Who but the person who devoted a significant portion of his life to building up this business is more deserving of the license?" attorney Gil Santamarina asked the News.
