Food Trucks in Jax: DVI Board Votes No

[mtraininjax]

I have to believe the DVI Board's decision was based on money. Terry Lorince is a smart person and she wants what is best for downtown, but if you drive a food truck and you show up from 10-2 and take business away from the people paying into the DVI fund, she's going to protect her own, and rightly so. I think the DVI fund should make the license for the food truck to operate downtown 1.5x the amount as brick and mortar, because the truck can move from place to place depending on need and events, brick and mortar has fewer options.

Here are the directors:

http://downtownjacksonville.org/DowntownVisionInc/BoardofDirectors.aspx

Will it be Edgewood Avenue on Murray Hill, Hendricks/San Marco Boulevard in San Marco, Main Street in Springfield, St. Nicholas Town Center, Riverside's King Street, etc?

My vote is Riverside's King Street, with the addition of new places, and what Steve and Scott have done at one end, and with the addition of new restaurants at the other end (hurry up and show us the new Jackson's), I think this area is primed for a real takeoff. Soon, the bloomers store on the corner will be forced out, and Park and King will turn into an area like St. Johns and Ingleside in Avondale. I love it!

[avs]

Business people that still want to have business lunches will still frequent the brick and mortar.  They need a sit down.  But it gives people just needing a quick bite some great options.  This city is so backwards and really truly lacks leadership by the elected officials.  They are behind on so many things. Its the same with urban ag.  This city's fear of progress keeps it in the shadows of great successful cities

[thelakelander]

I have to believe the DVI Board's decision was based on money. Terry Lorince is a smart person and she wants what is best for downtown, but if you drive a food truck and you show up from 10-2 and take business away from the people paying into the DVI fund, she's going to protect her own, and rightly so.

Can this be proven?  The experience in peer communities suggest otherwise.  Like a mall, the clustering of complementing uses tends to attract more clientele for every one. 

[mtraininjax]

Can this be proven?

Ask Ron Chamblin for sure. He is a board member with DVI, ask him what the issues were and the real facts. I think that Terry presented a case to protect those who are paying into the fund. I really doubt that there would be an issue, in government, so long as the Food Truck Vendors were paying into the fund. Its a lot like the Hot Dog Vendors, they have to buy a license to operate too. I know this could work, but normally it comes down to money as an issue, and not once has anyone else mentioned money in their reports.

[wordofmouse]

 This group has no business making legislative laws.
NON Elected self serving group.......this is a glorified home owners association.
Start the legal defense fund and take them to court.

DVI is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization whose mission is to build and maintain a healthy and vibrant Downtown community and to promote Downtown as an exciting place to live, work, play, and visit.

Downtown Vision, Inc. was formed in 2000 at the request of Downtown property owners to provide enhanced services within the Downtown Improvement District.

[fieldafm]

I know this could work, but normally it comes down to money as an issue, and not once has anyone else mentioned money in their reports.

I have presented several case studies of other municipalities successfully establishing pod/vending locations and vending time slots.

It doesn't take much effort to see how this is implemented to the mutual benefit of all in other peer cities. 

[fieldafm]

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Push-to-bring-food-trucks-to-town/xg1Egv0yH0Oei8ZaXTs0WQ.cspx

[fieldafm]

I would encourage you to write your clear-headed and detailed thoughts on the matter to the Mayor's office, your city councilperson and at-large city council members.

They need to hear your thoughts. 

[fieldafm]

First Coast News has picked up the story

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/article/249890/3/Jax-Truckies-Food-Truck-Championship-Saturday

As has the Jacksonville Business Jounral

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/print-edition/2012/03/30/food-trucks-hit-speed-bump-in.html

[thelakelander]

[fieldafm]

Ennis and I were fortunate enough to be invited on Melissa Ross' First Coast Connect radio show yesterday.

Melissa has advocated on the issue before as well:
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-02-21/story/melissa-ross-food-trucks-would-add-citys-vibrancy

Clearly, the public wants open dialogue and discourse on the matter.

It's time to make your voice heard.

[urbanlibertarian]

I don't believe the DVI vote has the force of law but is a position taken by it's board.  What we should fear is the Transient Vendor bill working it's way through City Council.  Unfortunately crony capitalism is thriving at every level of government.  Outright bans and onerous licensing requirements are ways that government shields existing businesses from free market competition and takes choices away from consumers.  I can't wait to hear how this is for our own good or how it protects children.

[fieldafm]

The previous transient vendor legislation never went anywhere.

What the city needs now is a specific plan of action to accomodate market-driven mom and pop businesses to help bring pedestrian vibrancy to our downtown.

I would encourage you to let City Council and the Mayor's Office (DVI does not make policy) know of your support of such measures. 

[Noone]

Fort Downtown

Fort Downtown-Thats funny!

[urbaknight]

I hope their talk about revitalizing DT wasn't just another bait n switch tactic to get our votes.