Food trucks may soon be operating downtown along with other outdoor food and merchandise sales.
Members of the Planning Board support reversing an 11-year ban on outdoor sales of food and merchandise, and will seek public input on a proposed ordinance change several members said could encourage downtown business growth.
“I’m all for it and especially like that it helps people start businesses,” said board Chair Hershey Hirschkop at the Sept. 10 meeting, adding, “And I look forward to eating more downtown.”
Town rules now forbid food sales outside a brick and mortar operation, with some exceptions, such as special events approved by the Town Council and restaurant outdoor seating on private property. Downtown businesses that already sell food would be able to sell outside their buildings under the proposed regulations.
Outdoor sales will still be required to follow state health regulations on food handling. For instance, food trucks will be required to have handwashing facilities and follow local restrictions regarding trash collection, hours of operation, and not blocking vehicles or pedestrians.
A public hearing on the change is schedule for 6 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Planning Board meeting . Following the public input, the board will vote on the ordinance and, if approved, send it to the Town Council for final approval.
