The city confirmed Thursday that, on top of the $200 annual permit fee, they are considering slapping a premium on already scarce parking for these trucks.
“I asked the head of our Traffic, Transportation and Parking departments what the cost would be, per day, to take up an entire spot and he said $17 a day,” said Deputy Economic Development Director Steve Fontana. If you multiply that daily number by the 300 days a year, when parking meters must be fed in New Haven, food trucks would be facing a $5,100 annual premium.
Some truck owners say they would be forced out of business if the plan is approved by Mayor Toni N. Harp and the Board of Alders. Fontana said other cities, including Hartford and New York, already have similar policies in place.
He adds that the proposed $5,100 fee would apply to only the food trucks. Other food vendors, including carts, would be assessed an annual premium of approximately $1,000 on top of their annual permit fee.
A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m. in city the city’s office building at 200 Orange Street.