Ordinance committee tables food-truck street vendor petition after permit questions

The Ordinance Committee on Sept. 17 took up a petition by Paula Amorzado Freitas for a street vendor license to operate a food truck at 1810 Northampton Street but voted to table the matter until the applicant and the Board of Health can provide clarification. Chair Meg McGrath Smith said the packet included a DPW permit that "says the permit is valid for 30 days from date of issuance," while the application sought occupancy from August 2026 to August 2027.

Councilor Devine described seeing a food truck in operation on Northampton Street and said it interfered with visibility for turning vehicles: "I had to really go out very slowly because this was in my way to take a left." Councilors said they want to confirm whether the truck is operating on private property or the public way and whether the vendor has the required approvals from DPW and the Board of Health before taking action. The committee voted to table Item 2 and asked staff to contact the applicant and the Board of Health so the applicant can appear at a future meeting.