Food trucks may soon be coming to the Bath waterfront.
The city this month made ordinance changes to allow for three reserved parking spaces for food trucks on Commercial Street near Waterfront Park. It marks the first time food trucks will be allowed to set up downtown. The mobile vendors will also be allowed on private property.
“Once a year or so I get a call asking about bringing food trucks to Bath, and our ordinances didn’t used to allow it,” said city Code Enforcement Officer Scott Davis.
So far, the city has received three inquiries from potential vendors, and if more than three applicants apply, the city will “figure something out” from there, he said.
City staff felt that welcoming food trucks would add a lot to downtown Bath, especially during the summer months, Davis said, and would be good for other businesses, too.
“Most restaurateurs agree that the more food options, the more people are going to come to Bath and eat,” he said.
The Main Street Bath group, which promotes the economic health of downtown Bath, agrees that food trucks will be good for downtown business.
“We are pleased to have seen the dedication of the municipal staff, committee members and city council work to be respectfully considerate of our restaurants while realizing the benefit of this vibrant addition to our economic development,” said Director Amanda McDaniel.
“We have seen the success of our neighboring Main Street program in Brunswick and the excitement food trucks offer for the public, encouraging walkable exploration of the downtown and generating palpable good vibes,” she said.
Applications for the three food truck spots will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting in April.
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