New Yorkers will soon be bumping into fewer hot dog stands while navigating the city's busy sidewalks.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced Thursday that the full City Council will pass bills next week that change the rules for street vendors.

Among the five bills set for approval is one that restricts vendors from setting up within 20 feet of residential building entrances and exits. Another bill reduces maxium fines from $1,000 to $500, but increases them for repeat offenders.

"Our bills will end punitive fines and keep our streets safe," Quinn said.

Even though a veto from Mayor Michael Bloomberg would be moot because it would be overidden, he called the plans to lower fines one of the "stupidest things" he ever heard, during a news conference Thursday.

It seems shark sightings are dominating headlines on Long Island and researchers are on a quest to find out why more sharks are showing up in Long Island waters. NewsdayTV meteorologist Rich Von Ohlen discusses how to stay safe.  Credit: Newsday/A. J. Singh; Gary Licker

'Beneath the Surface': A look at the rise in shark sightings off LI shores It seems shark sightings are dominating headlines on Long Island and researchers are on a quest to find out why more sharks are showing up in Long Island waters. NewsdayTV meteorologist Rich Von Ohlen discusses how to stay safe. 

It seems shark sightings are dominating headlines on Long Island and researchers are on a quest to find out why more sharks are showing up in Long Island waters. NewsdayTV meteorologist Rich Von Ohlen discusses how to stay safe.  Credit: Newsday/A. J. Singh; Gary Licker

'Beneath the Surface': A look at the rise in shark sightings off LI shores It seems shark sightings are dominating headlines on Long Island and researchers are on a quest to find out why more sharks are showing up in Long Island waters. NewsdayTV meteorologist Rich Von Ohlen discusses how to stay safe. 

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