Although the originally proposed ordinance did identify streets and areas where operations would be prohibited, such as Shroyer Road and Far Hills Avenue, some felt it didn’t go far enough to limit the possibility of setting up shop in residential areas.
“In a nutshell, we changed the ordinance so that food trucks would be permitted on an ‘event’ basis only, and only at the request of Oakwood property owners,” City Manager Norbert Klopsch said.
Law Director Rob Jacques said the new ordinance better integrates food trucks into the community.
“What I think we heard from residents pretty consistently was that they didn’t like the unknown,” he said. “Particularly residents who live near our public parks and schools. This new ordinance gives a little bit more control and flexibility to locate food trucks in other locations.”
Jacques said with the new ordinance in place, Oakwood will “go from an open system where a vendor can operate freely and whenever and wherever they want to subject to limitations to a permitted system where they are instructed on where they have to locate.”
Permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and the city is planning to only issue three per event unless the mayor approves extra food trucks for the event.
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