Business & Tech

New Food Truck Law Passes in Hoboken

Passes with a 5-4 vote, minority expresses concerns about mandatory GPS system.

After many months of back-and-forths, discussions and , the city passed a new food truck law on Wednesday night. 

new parking regulations, stipulates that no more than three trucks can be parked on one block and requires truck owners to install a global positioning system in their vehicles. 

That last point was the reason why the four minority members decided to vote against the new law. 

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"I spoke to lawyers about the GPS and they all said it was fine," Councilwoman Jennifer Giattino, who introduced the law, responded to the criticism from some of her colleagues. 

The reason for the GPS, which the truck owners will have to pay for themselves, will be to make enforcement of the parking rules easier, Giattino said. And, Giattino continued, "it doesn't allow selective enforcment." 

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Owners will still have to pay a $500 registration fee as well as a $2,500 enforcement fee annually. 

The GPS will only have to be used while the trucks are parked in Hoboken. 

"I think this is a pretty good policy that establishes parameters around a new thriving business here in town," said Councilman Peter Cunningham, who supported the resolution. 

Trucks are allowed to park at a metered spot for eight hours a day—regular visitors have four hours—of which no more than six hours can be spent at one meter. The other option is for a truck to park for four hours on the non-resident side of the street. 

Trucks aren't allowed to park within 75 feet from a brick and mortar establishment with a menu. 

Joe Branco, who owns two bars in town and has been opposed to the new law, said that he'd like to see truck owners pay sales tax. 

"I wish the council would bring this back to subcommittee," Branco said, saying that there are more things to talk about, such as how long a truck can be parked in town per day. 

While many truck owners take issue with the new law, because of the increased cost and the GPS, Sayed "Ali" Gomah attended the meeting on Wednesday, thanking the council for passing the new law. 

"I have been here for 17 years," he said. "And I am hoping to be here for another 17."


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