ALBANY, NY – Quick update on the city of Albany’s plans for food trucks: The city’s aiming to release the rules for this year’s season on April 15, with permits starting May 1.

City officials collected some feedback on last year’s pilot program at a public meeting Monday evening at city hall. Kate Lawrence, a planner with the city, described the upcoming season as a continuation of last year’s trial program. She projected that the new rules wouldn’t include any drastic changes from last year.

Among the issues that surfaced during public comments at Monday’s meeting: The possibility of expanding the zones where food trucks would be allowed, increasing the hours the trucks could operate (there was interest being open later), and concerns about the size of permit fees.

And, of course, there’s the issue of how food trucks and fixed-location restaurants can get along. Lawrence told us the city is hoping to balance the needs of both types of businesses so that it can “expand options and not step on anyone’s toes.”

Last year’s pilot program ran from August through October and allowed trucks to operate in commercial zones, though multiple stretches of streets were off limits. (The pilot program was separate from the permitting for trucks outside West Capitol Park.) If a proposed location was within 150 feet of an existing food establishment, applicants were required to include a letter of support from that establishment. A letter was also required if the site was in a business improvement district. The range of possible operating times was 11 am-11 pm. And permits were $200.

The pilot program had slots for five trucks last year. Lawrence said only three of the slots ended being claimed by trucks. She said the city is expecting more interest this year.

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