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New ordinance would ease Grand Rapids food truck restrictions

Posted at 10:33 PM, Jul 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-20 22:33:53-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The push for food trucks in downtown Grand Rapids continued Wednesday during a town hall meeting.

Wednesday's panel was full of support for the trucks.  From Mayor Rosalynn Bliss to restaurant owners, they say it's a good move for the city.

Currently, food trucks are not allowed to be in public spaces in Grand Rapids, but a new proposed ordinance could change that.

The ordinance, which will come to a vote July 26, would allow food trucks to operate in public places five days a week.

"This ordinance will allow food trucks to operate in public spaces," said Mayor Bliss.  "This would be a two year pilot, and there will be opportunity to study it and see how it goes."

Bliss says there has been strong opposition to food trucks coming to the downtown area, mostly from brick and mortar food venues.   However, Mark Sellers, the founder of Bar Fly Ventures and owner of 12 restaurants, says this is long overdue.

"I think the fear of the unknown has always scared people," Sellers said.  "But don't be afraid.  It's a cool thing, and it will bring more people to downtown Grand Rapids."