Mobile Vehicle Vending Discussion Item
City Council, July 22, 2024
Background Overview
Mobile Vehicle Vending (food trucks) can be a positive commercial activity that have offer benefits to a community - Provides opportunities for budding entrepreneurs with a smaller financial commitment Can add vibrancy and be a draw to commercial areas that want to increase foot traffic Provides convenient food options to the public and nearby employees
Background, Cont.
The presence of food trucks can also pose challenges associated with due to loss of parking spaces, increased noise from generators, and other perceived issues.
December 13, 2023, staff brought the issue of allowable locations to Planning Commission for feedback.
March 26, 2024, the issue came to CDC along with PC’s suggestions.
CDC directed staff to bring the issue to full Council, with recommendation to look at dedicated food truck locations, including East Laurel Street.
LOCATION 1 – East Laurel Street
Close Laurel St. from Franklin to Alley
Location 1 Pro’s and Con’s
PROs
CONs
Provides dedicated food truck spot
Busy intersection, esp. during Farmers Market
Less potential for conflicts with brick and mortar businesses Generator tow trucks decrease space per vendor
Food trucks still in the core of CBD
Removal of parking in CBD; lot on Laurel accessible from alley only Community gathering space
City staff subjected to noise and odors
Food truck operators I spoke with in favor of location
MTA bus stop relies on through traffic on E. Laurel
East Laurel – South Side of Street
Locating food truck area to one side of the street could solve many of the problems of a full street closure while still providing dedicated mobile vending.
LOCATION 2: East Laurel Parking Lot
Convert public parking lot on East Laurel into mobile vending site Maintains existing on-street parking
Lessens impact on alley
Location 2 Pro’s and Con’s
PROs
CONs
Provides dedicated food truck spot
Removes existing parking lot in CBD
Less potential for conflicts with brick and mortar businesses Possible impacts to future business at old Footlighters building, i.e. generator noise, etc.
Food trucks still in the core of CBD
City has two EV charging stations in this lot that would need to remain accessible.
Community gathering space
LOCATION 3: Bainbridge Park
Use south side of street at north end of park for mobile vending vehicles
Location 3 Pro’s and Con’s
PROs
CONs
Provides food truck hub
Further from core of downtown
Less potential for conflicts with brick and mortar businesses Residential zoning on four sides – currently prohibited Already gathering spot with existing picnic tables and benches May not be able to keep food trucks 300’ from residences Often plenty of available parking
Would require code amendment or zoning change
MVVs serve library & park users
ADDITIONAL POSSIBILITIES
400 Block of N. Franklin Street
ADDITIONAL POSSIBILITIES, CONT.
200 Block of Alder Street
VACANT LOTS
251 Franklin Street
VACANT LOTS
435 North Franklin Street