Subcommittee backs food-truck ordinance for Revere History Museum site amid safety, parking questions

The Legislative Affairs Subcommittee voted to recommend an ordinance that would allow food trucks to operate at the Revere History Museum site, advancing the proposal to the full Revere City Council.

The measure (Council Order 24-305) received a favorable recommendation after councilors discussed public input, safety and logistics. Councilor Kelly said a museum representative had voiced support. "He wanted to voice his support, of the food truck in this particular location," Councilor Kelly said.

The vote matters because the ordinance would formally permit food trucks in a location near a playground and the museum and set the stage for city departments to determine operational details.

Councilors and residents pressed for conditions to reduce nuisance and safety risks. Councilor McKenna said she was "worried about the fumes and the kids," asking that trucks be plugged into electricity rather than run by generators when near Sunny Myers Park. Councilor Garrino Sawaya said she has been exploring whether the trucks could be powered from the historical society building and is “waiting for Chris Charmella to call us to see if it could be plugged in to the historical society instead of having a generator.”

Members also proposed alternatives for parking and access. Councilor McKenna suggested using the Immaculate Conception church parking lot across the street and offered that the city could consider a small fee to the church and pay for electricity. Councilor Hass suggested creating a schedule (weekly or monthly rotation) to boost foot traffic to the museum.

Public commenters were split. One resident who identified with museum interests asked that the city find another location or different times because trucks could displace two or three parking spaces and arrive when students are leaving school. Another resident speaking in support said they had been coordinating with council members and the Department of Public Works and urged the committee to consider electrification options to limit nuisance.

On roll call the subcommittee recorded unanimous support for forwarding the ordinance to the full council for final action.

The full City Council will consider the ordinance; the subcommittee discussion identified next steps for departments to address power hookups, scheduling and parking arrangements.

Votes at a glance: The subcommittee recorded a favorable recommendation on Council Order 24-305; roll call recorded five yes votes and no nos.