CHARLEVOIX, MI – Food trucks received a split show of support from the community during a public hearing aimed at helping staff determine if these mobile eateries have a future in Charlevoix.
The Charlevoix City Council let the public speak out about issue that has received attention since late June, after the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce invited some food trucks to their 47th annual Art and Craft Show.
Some brick-and-mortar businesses have argued that the trucks take customers away from them, particularly when it comes to the busy summer months. Villager Pub owner Terry Left was unable to attend the meeting, but submitted his concerns about food trucks to council members in a letter.
“We pay taxes, either by our rent or through our landlords,” Left wrote to council. “The food trucks do not pay property taxes to aid the city projects. I have 70 employees in the summer and 40 in the winter. If you even multiply half that number by the 17 restaurants (in town), that is a lot of people depending on a year-round jobs to support themselves and their families.”
Left does not disapprove of the food trucks being downtown during Venetian Festival. His concern is on a permanent basis where it would affect the 17 restaurants and their employees.
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