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East Grand Rapids commission approves seasonal food-truck permit for Wednesdays on Wealthy
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Commission approved a seasonal special-event permit allowing a noncompeting food truck to park on Wealthy Street during the Wednesdays on Wealthy sidewalk social series, April through September.
The Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of East Grand Rapids on April 28 approved a seasonal special-event permit to allow a food truck to park on Wealthy Street during the Wednesdays on Wealthy sidewalk social series.
City staff said the Gaslight Village Business Association and community partners organized the monthly socials (third Wednesday, April through September) and sought permission to place a food truck in the parking spaces along Wealthy Street near the LoveSac store across from Starbucks. Parks staff described the request as limited to the event days and hours and contingent on the vendor remaining “noncompeting” with nearby businesses.
Parks staff (Derek) told commissioners the Regatta Plaza area around the fountain is private property and the plaza’s rules limit sidewalk sales there, so the organizers proposed the food-truck location on Wealthy instead. Derek said the truck would face the sidewalk so customers would queue on protected walkways and that the city does not issue a standalone food-truck permit outside of special events.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the meaning of “noncompeting” and were told organizers plan to rotate vendors and avoid bringing trucks that directly duplicate the offerings of existing Gaslight Village businesses (for example, avoiding taco trucks on days when a local taco restaurant is participating). Staff also said the Community Foundation provided event funding and that the city can revoke the permit if problems arise.
A motion to approve the permit was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the minutes show the ayes prevailed and the permit was granted.
The approval covers the season; staff said the permit could be rescinded if the event causes unexpected problems in May or June. Organizers and staff will manage vendor selection to minimize direct competition with existing merchants.
The commission moved on to other agenda items after approving the permit.
