There is a possibility of food trucks arriving at 5 p.m. for future events.
At this week’s meeting, township council announced the “Food Trucks on Main Street” event held on Sept. 20 was successful once again.
“Food Trucks on Main Street” is held every third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine, as a means to create more foot traffic on Main Street and encourage the community to shop locally.
When the food truck event kicked off in August, there was a maximum of six food trucks allowed on Main Street at a time. That number increased to 10 at the September event and will increase to 11 for the October event scheduled for Oct. 18.
Concerns were raised by the council regarding the events taking place in November and December, due to their proximity to the holidays; however, local organizations are planning accordingly and are hoping for more business for those completing holiday shopping.
Township Manager Kathy Burger suggested to see how the crowd reacts to having “Food Trucks on Main Street” so close to the holidays, and to possibly alter those dates next year if businesses don’t find the turnout as successful as it could be.
There will be lights implemented along Main Street before the October food truck event, which will remain hanging through Dickens Festival scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2, and through the December food truck event.
There was also discussion of changing the time the food trucks arrive to 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m., due to the high amount of traffic at the past two events. The council discussed this would potentially draw in more people stopping for food after work, instead of just those planning to walk along Main Street.
According to Burger, the vendors have stated the events have exceeded their expectations and nine of the 11 vendors that are expected in October have agreed to arrive at 5 p.m.
During public comment, Sean Galie spoke on behalf of his business, Lower Forge Brewery, located on Main Street, to express his concerns regarding the Division of Alcohol Beverage Control’s decision to suspend enforcement on the ruling of limitations on New Jersey breweries. He expressed concerns about the uncertainty of what the regulations will end up being for his business.
“I love seeing Main Street packed, and this special ruling could’ve had a chilling effect on all of it,” Galie said.
The council passed a resolution showing its opposition to the ABC’s suggested limitations.
In other news:
- Discussion took place regarding the consideration of installing a flashing beacon at Branch and Main Street crosswalks.
The next regular meeting will be held on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Building located at 91 Union St. at 7 p.m.
