Was Bob Wells wrong?
From what I understand, it's actually not illegal to live in a car, van, rv or whatever in the streets of New York City. As far as cargo vans being registered with personal plates? One person who has done it told me that if you put in a window and a seat behind the drivers seat you can do it. But why bother with a cargo van? Get a passenger van with dark windows or an old conversion van with a high top.
Here's my plan, I'll be getting an older Toyota Sienna, I will toss out all seats but the drivers seat. Put in some kind of bed and a porta potti. Register in South Dekota (No taxes) but spend 9 months of the year in the Big Apple.
I will live in whatever neighborhood strikes my mood. Spend time in the Hamptons, Vermont and Maine.
One thing about New York City is the fact that it now has free and fast Wi Fi. I can sit in my car with a laptop and cell phone and do a Network Marketing business. I avoid all the big expenses of living in this city, I own my "home" and answer to no one. Also considering eventually getting a 30 ft boat and living in that for at least part of the year.