COLUMN: Create a food vending zone

From Eric Goldstein's, "Upon Further Review," Fall 1997 From Eric Goldstein's, "Upon Further Review," Fall 1997Penn and Drexel are separated by one city block. But cross the north-south border that is Chestnut Street, and you won't even recognize the Drexel campus as part of West Philadelphia. The food truck and sidewalk vendor -- which have taken over any and every available square foot of land on and around Penn's campus -- are an endangered species just one block away. The reason is an ordinance restricting the areas where vendors can set up food trucks and sidewalk tables. In order to secure a space in Drexel's authorized zone on 32nd Street between Market and Chestnut streets, vendors must pay an annual $3,000 fee. Vending is prohibited throughout the rest of the campus. Many Penn students rely on area food trucks for daily meals, fresh fruit or an early morning cup of coffee. But the current anarchist, park-where-you-want freedom allowed to vendors must be re-examined. As it stands, food trucks and sidewalk vendors are eyesores for many who live, work or study in the area. As University President Judith Rodin and Executive Vice President John Fry strive toward a University City renaissance, characterized by thriving retail shops and restaurants, the abundance of food trucks dotting our campus can only turn off prospective local investors. On an everyday level, food trucks monopolize the precious little parking space available within walking distance of University buildings. Although the local traffic code states that vehicles may not remain in a space past the meters' specified time capacity, the Philadelphia Parking Authority has not enforced the rule since the early 1980s. As long as the trucks put coins in the meters, the PPA ignores them. But Richard Dickson, the PPA director of regulations and public service, told The Daily Pennsylvanian last year it is not uncommon for local vendors to jam the meters so as to avoid paying the $1 per hour fare. "It's prevalent everywhere there are vendors," Dickson said. One other consideration is the possible physical hazard many of the trucks pose. Vehicles with propane tanks and generators could possibly threaten the safety of the loyal customers who patronize them and anyone else who happens to be within exploding distance. Although there have been no recent injuries as a result of the propane tanks, there was an incident a year ago when a generator caught flame at 36th and Walnut streets. Luckily, no one was injured. In addition, at least four students have been mugged by criminals who have used parked food trucks as shields from nighttime passers-by, according to Carol Scheman, vice president for government, community and public affairs. And try crossing the street at the corner of 34th and Walnut streets. The parked trucks along the street make it virtually impossible for pedestrians to see oncoming traffic before it is too late. The solution may lie in a proposed plan, supported by University officials and City Councilperson Jannie Blackwel, that would create specified vending zones, similar to the one at Drexel. According to Blackwell's proposed ordinance, three zones would be created -- one each on 34th, Spruce and Walnut streets. Scheman has said the University would provide about 16 on-campus spaces and another 75 off-campus spaces for vendors. The plan would provide spaces for each of the 90-some food trucks that currently call Penn home. In addition, a number of "fresh air food plazas" are in the works. At these plazas, vendors will be provided with running water, electrical hook-ups and garbage removal. The University would also provide outdoor seating for the trucks' patrons, creating a sort-of outdoor food court. The cost to the vendors: $60 for a five-year lease. While a number of vendors and food truck regulars have objected to the proposed plan, many of their criticisms have been based on false presumptions. At the groundbreaking of the Sansom Common retail complex, members of the Penn Consumer Alliance staged a protest, chanting "Save the trucks!" What the protesters continue to ignore is the fact that the proposed plan does not stipulate a decrease in the number of vendors. The plan serves only to better organize the vending operations so as to best serve the interests of University City. The vendors' paranoia is understandable, given their past experiences with city ordinances. In recent years, vending has been banned or severely regulated in Center City, Manayunk, the South Street area and North Philadelphia around Temple University. If Rodin and Fry are to have any chance of transforming University City into a thriving district with quality stores, diverse restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, they must first resolve the state of vending on and around campus. The alternative is the status quo. And that is just not acceptable.