Food trucks now able to operate on street near splash pad

Newton City Council has now authorized the use of food trucks on the south side of the street located just north of the downtown splash pad in Harmony Park. Despite some pushback from council members feeling it to be unsafe, the new ordinance changes were passed in a 4-2 vote on Monday night.

Food trucks, often referred to as “mobile food units” in City Code, will now be able park on south side of North Third Avenue West. While council members understood that food trucks would be able to utilize this specific piece of public right-of-way for operations, they were confused as to when it would apply.

Mayor Evelyn George explained food trucks would be allowed on that street during events held at Harmony Park, similarly to when food trucks are held at Maytag Park during Newton Fest or Bowlful of Blues. Council member Randy Ervin said food trucks are not going to be allowed in that space every day.

“It’s only when events are going on the splash pad,” Ervin said. “I don’t think it’s going to be something we deal with every day, but I’m glad we’re addressing it.”

George said, “Normally, what happens is someone is sponsoring an event that they’re going to promote. So there’s some event coordinator that requests that. Food trucks aren’t just picking any location anywhere in the city that has been approved and showing up. They have to have some kind of a sponsor.”

Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik confirmed that is generally what happens. He said the street area near the splash pad will have to have a designated premise permit. The owner of the premise permit — which would be the city and city council in this case — would have a say in whether a food truck can operate in the area.

“We’re not just seeing food trucks come in and open up somewhere,” Wellik said.

For instance, even though Maytag Park allows food trucks to operate there, George noted there are no ice cream trucks constantly parked during pool days.

At the previous meeting about food trucks operating on North Third Avenue West, council member Joel Mills explained he did not agree with the proposal in large part due to safety concerns. Mills said he does not think the city should have food trucks on an open roadway and worried a children would be in danger.

“I think there are better opportunities for food trucks off-street in, say, an adjacent, city-owned parking lot that already has slower moving traffic,” Mills said at the Aug. 4 meeting. “I don’t think this is the optimal condition for food trucks. Not against food trucks. Happy to have them in our community.”

Council member Stacy Simbro shared the same sentiments.