Ordinance to allow such approved last week
Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council approved an ordinance that will allow mobile food courts in the town. A mobile food court is a designated location where mobile food truck owners rent space to sell their products.
Town staff presented the concept to the council at a study session on November 7. The council wanted the food court to be of quality consistent with the high-quality nature of Oro Valley's other retail establishments. In addition, the council asked staff to talk with a couple of current and former food truck operators to get their perspective on the ordinance. Having done that, town staff presented the results that appeared to satisfy the questions previously posed by the council.
The ordinance designates certain areas in the town (see panel right) where a mobile food court can be located. However, the concept cannot be implemented unless the council approves a "conditional use permit" for that use. Thus, any future food court will need to be approved by the town council.
Late night public hearing rather odd
Late night public hearing rather odd
It was almost 11 o'clock last Wednesday night when the town council held the "public hearing" on the ordinance. No one showed up for the hearing. Perhaps there was no public interest, or perhaps it was far too late at night for the town to be holding a public hearing on any matter. The council had the option of continuing the matter to a more convenient day and time but chose not to do so.
...given the importance of the ordinance and the lack of urgency in putting it in effect
After about 20 minutes of discussion, the council approved the new ordinance by a six to one vote. The “No” vote came from Councilmember Tim Bohen. He voted no because he said it was too late at night to hold a public hearing, and this was a matter of importance that should be discussed at a time when council members are not tired from sitting five hours plus a council meeting. Bohen noted that this was not an urgent matter. Bayer Vella, the Town Director of Planning and Zoning, agreed, though he did say that it had been well researched and discussed with the council previously.
We expect that there will be an applicant who will file relatively soon
We expect that there will be an applicant who will file relatively soon
The location, we believe, will be at the Mercado del Rio center located on Pusch View Lane, since that is the location town staff discussed with the council at the November study session.
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