Milwaukee Common Council to vote on ordinance replacing food truck ban on Capitol Dr. with designated zones
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Safety concerns, litter issues, and traffic hazards on one of the most dangerous roads in Milwaukee are why city officials say two weeks ago, a food truck and vehicle vendor ban went into effect on 76th St. and Capitol Dr.
The current ban blocks vendors from parking along the road until the city limits and selling any kind of food, clothing, or other items.
The Milwaukee Common Council approved the legislation last month.
But on March 28, Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, who sponsored the original bill, proposed a new solution that could benefit all involved.
“It’s just an ordinance to bring more structure and organization to the area," Westmoreland said.
During a Public Health and Safety Committee meeting Thursday morning, Westmoreland recommended a substitute ordinance replacing the current ban with designated permit zones.
The zones would have about eight spaces at a time, which the alderman said would cover the "typical" number of trucks in the area on a given basis.
"It's not like it's a situation where there aren't enough slots," Westmoreland said.
Owners would have to apply for licensing permits. Their permit number would then match a sign at the space.
“If this is your slot and you don’t want to go there that day or you want to go somewhere else, you can’t tell your friend, 'hey, you can use my slot,'" Westmoreland said.
The Milwaukee Police Department and parking enforcement would impose the rules, and there would be consequences for those who go against the ordinance.
The ban was originally brought up after Westmoreland said he had heard complaints from neighbors and nearby businesses about the trucks.
“Grease was being dumped, garbage bags were being left behind after some of the operators," Westmoreland said.
Plus, the alderman spoke with a few brick-and-mortar shop owners who said the trucks' presence were affecting their business.
“They don’t have the ability to start up an engine and go somewhere else if business is not doing well there," Westmoreland said. “But at the same time, I want these food trucks to succeed you know, these are folks that are here trying to make a decent living and take care of their families, so I want to help them as well.”
When asked about reckless driving concerns, Westmoreland clarified the ban is not because of that issue.
"Eliminating food trucks is not going to end it," Westmoreland said. “Obviously if we can help with reckless driving while at it sure, but this is not what’s driving this.”
The full common council will vote to approve the substitute ordinance on April 9. The zones could go into place on June 15.
“Everybody that has historically been on Capitol Dr will be able to return again," Westmoreland said. "Maybe not where they want to be but where it’s safest.”