COLUMN: Moderate stance on vending

From Marisa Katz's, "Ineluctable Modality of the Visible," Fall '98 From Marisa Katz's, "Ineluctable Modality of the Visible," Fall '98 When it comes to vending, the University is caught between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand are local retailers, who say vending allows unfair competition. While they support the proposal to ban vendors from the streets and sidewalks in front of their stores, they still complain that vendors pay negligible rent and lower taxes and overhead costs. On the other hand are the vendors, who feel entitled to virtually unregulated vending on and around campus. The University City Vending Association's version of the ordinance banned vending only on the north side of Walnut Street between 34th and 36th streets and within 20 feet of the entrance to any retail establishment. And then we have the University --depicted by both camps as heavily favoring the other. But, contrary to accusations, Penn officials do not aim to entirely eliminate vending. Nor are they concerned soley about their own real estate interests. Myths aside, throughout this long, often aggravating process, the University's stance on vending has remained largely middle-of-the-road. So what do administrators really want? The final version of the ordinance proposes restricted street and sidewalk vending accomodating 100 vendors, elimination of electrical generators one year after enactment of the ordinance and the establishment of a Vending Advisory Board to review vending regulations and recommend applicants for certain locations. Additionally, Penn plans to build five fresh air food plazas, which will provide vendors with electricity, lighting and a "park-like atmosphere" in exchange for $1-per-month rent. Overall, the plan seems like a pretty good deal. There are some points, however, that remain to be fine tuned. For example, the University, UCVA and the Penn Consumers Alliance must iron out who has the authority to appoint members of the advisory board. Also, several of the food plaza locations have generated a negative response from students and staff. Although administrators say these plans are final, that's a refrain they've offered before and doesn't exclude the potential for change. Because of ongoing controversy about the plan, some people have asked why any change is necessary. The bottom line is that University City has become overrun with vendors. In recent years other areas of the city have passed laws regulating vending, and many of the displaced carts and trucks relocated to Penn. Whereas there were fewer than 60 vendors around campus in 1992, there are more than 90 today. Not only are the numbers out-of-control, but so are the health and safety standards. Vending trucks block access to the hospital. They obscur the view of pedestrians and police. And those with propane tanks and generators present a serious hazard, as demonstrated two years ago when a generator caught on fire at 36th and Walnut streets. If we do not do something to alter the state of University City vending, it's only a matter of time before further disaster occurs. Like toast at football games and hats on Hey Day, vending is a central part of Penn tradition. No one wants to get rid of it. But because of inflated rhetoric, the University's position has been distorted. And many vendors, retailers and students have taken a position based on misinformation. When the false perceptions are pushed aside, however, University officials seem to have developed a workable plan for vending. While it certainly won't make everybody happy, it does aim to address the concerns of both vendors and area merchants. It's been two years since the vending controversy began, and it looks like we're getting close to a solution. In order for the ordinance to go through Council, however, we must show our support. Tuesday's hearings, scheduled for 10 a.m. at City Hall, will allow floor-time to any concerned parties. Register to testify by calling 686-2017. And tell Council members you want to preserve a Penn tradition.