Let's get real about the food trucks

The food truck argument is so silly. Variety is the spice of life, the Food Trucks bring something different once in awhile and add to a community rather than take away. A report called Tactical Urbanism says: "Food carts and trucks not only stimulate entrepreneurial activity, they serve a critical role in the activation of the public realm. Indeed,few people know where people tend to congregates well as a good food vendor, as his or her success relies upon high pedestrian volumes. In turn, a good food vendor, or groups of vendors quickly become an additional destination within already successful places of congregation."

In Portland, Oregon, they are regulated like restaurants. The report goes on to day: "From Los Angeles to Miami, smart cities not only lower the barriers to entry, but also nurture such businesses because they contribute to the city’s local economy and add a great sense of place."

Not sure where they got the idea that Miami was a smart city that encourages the trucks, but we should. The report is here, the food truck issue is on page 13. You'll notice so many interesting things in the report including Guerilla gardening, "pop up" cafes and "pop up" shops and so much more. Things that really enhance an urban area. Reminds me of Park(ing) Day.

Perhaps we should stop having the Coconut Grove Arts Festival every year and maybe let's stop any food festivals or events where it might take business from the bricks and mortar businesses. Should the art galleries suffer by having the Arts Festival in town? I actually had one business complain that people were not stopping in their place of business to eat because they were eating at the Arts Festival. It's true, there is so much food at the Arts Festivals, should we stop them from serving food as well as art so as not to offend any businesses?

When and if the Playhouse reopens, should we stop Shakespeare in the Park? It's free and it could take business from the paying public who might pay to see a play or movie for that fact. When free Shakespeare comes to town should we send them away because they may tread on the movie theater's ticket sales?

I received so many emails from people, all in favor of allowing the food trucks in. They were so afraid of me publishing their names and wanted me to keep their identities private, which I will. But it's just a matter of giving the people what they want. People want sit down, eat in restaurants, but we like change, too. My new favorite place is the Peacock Garden Cafe. Just looking at the place makes me smile. I would never not go there in favor of a food truck, but it's nice to have the choice.

People seem to be afraid of the unknown, restaurants are afraid of losing business, others are just plain snobs, this is an email I got from a reader: "It is prudent to see the people that follow the food trucks -- and is that sort of following that would be an enhancement to the Grove?" I am not sure who she thinks follows the food trucks, but I do, so do lawyers, doctors, office workers and young professionals. And families, gallery owners, art lovers and people who enjoy gourmet food that the trucks serve. People follow the food trucks, thousands of people. I think their presence in the Grove would enhance the Grove.