An outcry from neighbors put the brakes on the city of Anna Maria’s plans for a food truck area.
City commissioners unanimously voted Aug. 25 to delay the final reading of an ordinance and resolution establishing and regulating a proposed food truck area at the northwest end of Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd, to Oct. 13.
The proposed 20-by-90-foot area would be within the city right of way at the end of the park where sandbagging and construction staging are performed.
According to the resolution, up to four food trucks would be allowed into the area at once on a first-come, first-served basis 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays.
The city move came in response to a state law passed in 2020 that preempts local governments from regulating food truck operations but allows the creation of a “reasonable” space for food trucks to operate.
City commissioners expressed satisfaction with the addition of a three-day per week limitation.
They also discussed potentially restricting noisy generators, charging a fee to use the space, as well as delaying the effective date so a stone footprint could be installed.
However, the conversation hit a speedbump when eight of nine people who spoke during public comment expressed opposition to the food truck proposal.
Daniel Massey, owner of 915 N. Shore Drive directly adjacent to the proposed food truck area, said the food trucks would result in additional noise, insects and littering, as well as trespassing due to its proximity to private property.
He said he was “shocked” when he learned about the proposal. He also said the food trucks would amount to a “nuisance” for himself and his family.
Massey suggested the city install electrical outlets so food trucks would not require generators for power. The limited number of outlets also would provide a soft cap on the number of food trucks that could operate in the area.
Kerry Kotouc, property owner at 503 N. Bay Blvd., said the city’s plans reminded her of Joni Mitchell’s song “Big Yellow Taxi,” which includes the lyrics “So they paved paradise / Put up a parking lot.”
“I cannot comprehend for the life of me a more inappropriate location,” Kotouc said of the proposed area. “I wholly oppose this.”
She recommended putting the food truck area at City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., where the city hosts a seasonal farmers market.
Several speakers, including Massey, agreed with Kotouc’s recommendation.
Commissioner Jonathan Crane said they had considered locating the area at the park but decided not to in an effort to limit the food trucks’ sales impact on nearby Pine Avenue businesses.
But Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria General Store, 503 Pine Ave., and co-owner of the City Pier Grill on the pier, said he was not opposed to putting the food trucks at the park.
Seymour, a former city commissioner, suggested some tweaks to the resolution could ensure the food trucks would complement existing businesses.
Resident Alan Ward sympathized with the city commissioners, saying there was “no good answer” for the food truck location, including City Pier Park.
Public comment seemed to sway commissioners to take more consideration.
“I don’t think we’re anywhere near ready to vote on this as it stands,” Commissioner Robert Kingan said. “We’re fencing in the dark. … We’re trying to do our best but there’s a lot of things we cannot do.”
City attorney Becky Vose said she would discuss with Mayor Dan Murphy revising the measures and bring an updated proposal to the commission.
Commissioners will revisit the matter at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive. Directions to attend will be available at cityofannamaria.com.
Murphy encouraged commissioners to seek additional feedback before the meeting.