Some restaurant owners are concerned that food trucks could show up in prime spots downtown, bringing in unwanted competition.
Oberlin City Council member Kelley Singleton said Council expects to pass a law that would strike a balance between longtime restaurants and food trucks.
Council has already removed a clause from the ordinance that would have allowed food trucks during the lunch hour daily.
Singleton said food trucks could still set up at special events, like the city’s annual Family Fun Fest, for a $50 fee.
“There’s food trucks out there that have followings, and if we could get them to come here for one day, other people will follow them, and they’ll be able to check out Oberlin for the first time maybe,” said Singleton.
“I think if there’s special events that will draw extra people, that would be better to have them in town, but otherwise on a regular basis, I think it would hurt business.” said Katy Reid, who works at Oberlin Kitchen restaurant.
Oberlin City Council is expected to vote on amendments to the food truck ordinance May 17.
