Local restaurant owners, food cart vendors and a city street vending committee agreed to a compromise Wednesday to limit where street vendors can park along Broom Street during late night vending hours.
The compromise came after a series of Vending Oversight Committee meetings to address complaints from nearby restaurants, including Silver Mine Subs and Pita Pit, that late night cart vendors are taking away business.
The proposed amendment limits the locations on Broom Street where vendors are permitted to park. Under the agreement, food carts that could previously park directly in front Broom Street restaurants would only be able to park on the opposite side of the street or in freight loading zones further down the block on the same side of the street.
While some vending spots would be eliminated, nine spots would remain on a first-come first-serve basis. Food cart and restaurant owners expressed support for the amendment.
Pita Pit owner Courtney Palm said she never had the intention of putting anyone out of business.
“I think the goal for everyone has been to find a fair and balanced way for all of the businesses to thrive,” Palm said. “I am hoping that the amendment does that for us, and helps to create a good atmosphere for all of the business here.”
Steve Lawrence, owner of the Fried and Fabulous food cart, said the compromise addresses the restaurants’ concerns while allowing his cart to remain in business.
“I’m very pleased with balanced approach that the committee has decided to take, and I am ultimately excited to get back to running my business,” he said.
The VOC will make its final vote on the amendment at its next meeting.
