Council delays decision on food‑truck permit at busy Fourth Street intersection amid parking and safety concerns

A request to allow a mobile food unit to operate in front of 1407 West Fourth Street drew objections at the July 16 committee meeting from nearby residents and business owners who said the intersection is congested and lacks parking.

Cheryl Shagnath, a Third Ward resident, said the site is already a busy intersection and that tow trucks and nearby business activity leave no off‑street parking for a food truck. "There is no parking spot for them to put the food truck off the road," she said, urging the council to examine traffic and safety before approving a permit.

Judith Lee, a Second Ward resident, echoed those concerns and asked the item be placed on discussion so the city can consider precedent for permitting large vehicles on public roads without space to park them. Kiana, who spoke in favor of mobile vendors, urged the council to support small entrepreneurs.

Staff explained the city's special occurrence permit for mobile food units dates to 2017 and that applicants must have a public property permit, health and fire department approvals and pay a $550 fee for a public property permit. Alderman McGinnis asked staff to prepare answers about restricted parking signage at the location and the 150‑foot intersection rule; she requested the item be put on next week’s discussion agenda.

Ending: Councilors said they are not trying to change the ordinance but want staff to clarify parking restrictions, the intersection safety rule and whether the applicant’s request conforms to existing rules. The matter was pulled from consent and scheduled for further discussion.