HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—With complaints of loud music, blocked driveways and late night disturbances, the Hartford City Council has voted to implement a policy that limits food truck operations.
With a 6 to 2 vote Monday, the council approved an ordinance that limits where and when food trucks can operate.
Councilman James Sanchez advocated for the measure after he said he's tried to resolve the issue for the past two years.
Food trucks have brought chaos to residential neighborhoods in Hartford, Sanchez said, with owners blasting music and customers parking in front of homes and driveways until two or three in the morning. The situation became worse when the pandemic hit, he said.
It has even become dangerous, according to Sanchez. On weekends, he said, "If there's a need for emergency services such as a fire truck or ambulance, there was no way they would be able to get to their destination to save a person's life."
Based on the policy, food truck vendors can no longer park on Whethersfield, Franklin or Maple Avenues as well as any immediate surrounding streets. Food trucks will also need to close at around 9 p.m.
"It's not permanent although it may seem so," Sanchez stressed.
Having spoken with food truck vendors, Sanchez said they are willing to work with the council on this.
"They did have the fear that we weren't going to allow food trucks at all, but that's not the case," Sanchez said.
In an effort to help vendors, the policy also includes areas where food truck vendors are encouraged to park, he said, and certain areas that allow a midnight closing time.
The policy may change in the future, Sanchez said, but for now, the limits are in place to help take control of the situation.