Business owners focused on a proposal to amend the town’s food truck ordinance at the Newtown Borough Council work session Tuesday evening.
The proposed changes to the borough’s ordinances would allow food trucks to operate outside local businesses.
Currently, it’s illegal for food trucks to operate in Newtown, whether at a business or residence.
The amendment under discussion would allow businesses to request a permit from the local government to host a food truck on their property. There were also provisions for noise and operating times, and all food trucks would have to be inspected by the county health department and borough.
The proposal has sparked considerable discussion among business owners and residents alike.
Some business owners felt the ordinance would allow food trucks to get a permit and open up daily to serve food.
Earlier this year, Second Sin Brewing Company expressed interest in hosting a food truck at the borough-owned lot on State Street, which led the council to reconsider the existing rules.
Jackie McGonigal, owner of Newtown Ice House, was opposed to the proposed ordinance.
McGonigal raised concerns about the potential for food trucks to take away from the borough’s historic ambiance and questioned how food truck operators would comply with regulations, including the borough’s single-use plastic ban and the disposal of used cooking grease.
A representative from State Street Kitchen said approval of the ordinance could lead to unfair competitive advantages for food trucks over brick-and-mortar restaurants. The woman also expressed concerns over potential blockages and litter issues.
“The borough used to be more friendly to businesses,” said the representative.
Mark Gatta, a co-owner of Opus Elite Real Estate on State Street, also voiced opposition to the ordinance as proposed.
The realtor worried that an influx of food trucks could change the character of State Street.
“To allow food trucks up and down State Street doesn’t make sense. I feel like we’re taking a step back,” Gatta said.
The businessman noted he was fine with an occasional food truck at businesses but criticized a permanent setup. He said a change to the ordinance could allow him to charge rent to have a food truck set up outside his office on State Street.
David Witchell, who owns a salon and spa on State Street, echoed concerns about pedestrian safety, smells from the trucks, and enforcement of borough ordinances.
In June, Don Hayden, co-chairperson of the Walk Friendly Newtown committee, voiced concerns over potential congestion and risks to pedestrian safety if food trucks were allowed in public rights-of-way.
After hearing from the public, Council President Heinz acknowledged the breadth of concerns and assured that all factors would be considered as changes are considered.
Council Member Josh Phillips said he understood the concerns raised by those at the meeting.
Council Member Julia Woldorf said she feels the ordinance amendment should only be for special events, private property, and not for regular days in public rights-of-way. She cited the size of borough roads and the impacts on traffic.
Toward the end of the meeting, Heinz said she believed it might be best to not allow food trucks in the public right-of-way.
The council is expected to revisit the issue in upcoming meetings.
