The Vending Oversight Committee heard complaints from local restaurant owners about food carts operating near their locations, and discussed possible solutions Wednesday.
Currently, late night Madison vendors are allowed to park on Library Mall, the 300 block of West Johnson Street and the 100 block of West Johnson Street, according to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
Cortney Palm, who owns Pita Pit on State Street, said food carts parking in front of her restaurant is an issue.
“It really has affected our late night business,” Palm said. “It’s not like a typical business where it’s down a couple of blocks, it’s like 15 feet outside of our door.”
Steve Lawrence, owner of the Fried and Fabulous food cart, proposed several alternative locations for food carts to park and serve customers.
Lawrence said he is willing to compromise with restaurants, but committee members said they would have to review his suggestions before coming to a conclusion.
Verveer said a big problem comes from the carts centralizing around the Broom Street area near popular late night locations such as Madhatters Bar.
He also said the committee is close to reaching a compromise and plans to draft a proposal which will then be sent to Common Council for final approval.
“This is an issue we’ve talked extensively about,” Verveer said. “I think we’re finally close to addressing the concern of the restaurants.”
The committee will meet again in March and Verveer said it will likely vote on the proposal.
“I think it is a reasonable accommodation we can make for those inline businesses,” Verveer said.
