HOBOKEN – The Hoboken City Council was expected to hold a public hearing and take a final vote on Jan. 4 on a food truck ordinance that would increase fees for food truck vendors that could lead to some vendors skipping town.
The ordinance, which was drafted based on other city’s laws around the country, would spike fees from $500 to over $2,000 for some vendors. Some food truck owners have said they will leave town if the new fees go into effect. The current ordinance, which charges a $500 fee to operate, was established years ago with the intention of establishing regulations for vendors of hot dog carts and other non-motorized carts, city officials have said.
Under the ordinance, food trucks will not be allowed within 75 feet of a restaurant, and will be limited to two trucks per street at a time. The proposed ordinance will also require food trucks to install a global positioning system for enforcement purposes.
The legislation was introduced by a 7-1 vote at the Dec. 21 meeting.
The council is also expected to address a resolution, sponsored by Councilwoman Beth Mason, to direct the city attorney to advise the council on a legislative response to stop large waterfront developments, such as the proposed Monarch at Shipyard development. Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Director of Community Development Brandy Forbes, and the City Council have spoken out against the proposal for two residential 11-story buildings for the northeast waterfront. The plan was recently approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and is scheduled to go before the Hoboken Planning Board on Feb. 7. (Click here to read previous coverage of the issue.)
Watch the meeting live and comment below. — Ray Smith
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