Will Downtown Vision Rescind Their Food Truck Position?

[fieldafm]

DVI did assist/support the siting food trucks at the semi-permanent locations

No, that was representatives of the former JEDC.. now OED, that came up with an interpretation as to siting and zoning.

did DVI not support it?  Did they not speak up in favor?

No, and to give DVI credit for food trucks in the core would be a massive mischaracterization. Not a criticism, just setting the record straight.

[ronchamblin]

I am encouraged by the rumored "building occupations".  For example, I've heard that some kind of restaurant is signing a 20 year lease on the two most southerly spaces on Laura in the Elks building.  The wall between the two spaces will be removed.  Somebody is optimistic if they are doing a 20 year lease. Diversions plans to move around the corner to a larger space, and expand their services.  The other tenant is planning to move also.   

Too ... some of the floors of the Greenleaf building (above Jacob's) are being renovated, and will soon be occupied.

And there is the restaurant going into 11E, at the former Starbucks spot.  The new project on the northeast corner of Hemming is coming too.  And of course the 225 Laura building is moving along. 

Soon, I expect we will see some activity in the Barnett building and the trio.  And then there is the Landing project. 

There seems to be, increasingly, steady new energy building up in the core, which seems to indicate the beginning of a long-term growth period.  Hopefully, more projects are coming soon.

The One Sparks, the Art Walks, the Jazz Festivals, and the Food Truck Rallies and other events have all contributed to keeping the core alive ... reminding people that downtown exists.  But finally, we are seeing genuine investment ... in real estate purchases, in renovation, in long term leases; that is, in "occupying buildings", which is one of the most important measures of progress toward the goal of revitalization.

Most of this new investment has come about because of a slowly improving (still shaky) economy -- and because of capable individuals who sense the great need for action, and wish to satisfy it.

At this early stage regarding food trucks, it would be erroneous to suggest that the limited food truck presence so far in or near the city core, has had any positive impact on promoting this new growth.

As the city core becomes more vibrant, having much greater foot traffic to spread around to businesses, the issue of food trucks will be less important, and regulation will be less necessary -- just as the homeless issue will become less important with greater vibrancy and core population.

"Occupying Buildings is King".