editor Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Got this in the e-mail this week. I know there are a lot of food truck fans on HAIF. And if you have any pictures of food trucks, send them to our sister site http://lunchtim.es e-mail editor@lunchtim.esHouston Mobile Food Units Seek Changes in City RegulationsHOUSTON (August 29, 2012) – The Houston Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Collective will present City Council Members with stakeholder-driven Ordinance changes in September, which will further promote business growth and entrepreneurship in Houston.The proposed Ordinance changes will eliminate the 60-foot distance between Mobile Food Units; allow 1 propane (LP) permit to cover multiple locations; provide access to existing seating areas and provide limited seating of their own; lift the LP ban within the District of Limitations, opening up the downtown area for service.“Currently, propane use is restricted in Houston’s central business district, which limits most mobile food units from operating in the area. MFUs attract crowds and bring activity to the areas they occupy; the proposed Ordinance provides a unique opportunity to revitalize and reenergize spaces that could benefit from increased activity,” said Joanna Torok, co-owner of Oh my! Pocket Pies. In an effort to promote controlled industry growth, the Collective believes the Ordinance changes will strengthen Houston’s economy by directly contributing to the success of local businesses. The MFU business model offers affordable access to the city’s rich culinary culture. These changes will add to Houston’s current successful reputation in entrepreneurship, and will further increase the city’s standing as a desirable travel destination in Texas.“Houston has earned a reputation for supporting local establishments and fostering the growth of businesses, both large and small”, says Joe Phillips, co-owner of Oh my! Pocket Pies. “Approving changes to support mobile food units will directly contribute to the success of local, small businesses, and will allow them to grow, strengthening our city’s economy.“The MFU Collective is scheduled to present the Ordinance to Mayor Parker and City Council Members on September 26, 2012. To support the ordinance, the MFU Collective suggests attending the City Council meeting, sending in a letter of support to the Mayor and Council Members, and signing the public petition at participating mobile food vendor locations. Additional information can be found online: www.MFUHouston.com#About Houston’s Mobile Food Unit (MFU) CollectiveWe are a collection of micro-entrepreneurs looking to further increase our city’s unique and affordable food options and business successes. Comprised of devoted mobile food vendors, this collective group seeks to motivate positive change through education, dedication and collaboration. Houston’s Mobile Food Movement has begun… United we Roll! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 I didnt know they don't operate in dt... letting them do so is a good idea... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted September 11, 2012 Share Posted September 11, 2012 Having cbd opened up for food trucks could actually be pretty huge... I think food trucks are one of the things that could change the perception that people won't go outside downtown due to the tunnels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trymahjong Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 From Ellen cohens e newsletterCouncil Committee on Quality of Life Chair Cohen and her colleagues heard presentations from the Houston Department of Health and Human Services and the Houston Fire Department on proposed changes to Houston's mobile food units regulations. Changes under consideration include:Allowing food trucks to operate within 100 feet of existing outdoor tables and chairsAllowing food trucks to operate within 60 feet of another food truckAllowing food trucks to utilize propane within the downtown and Texas Medical Center areasQuality of Life Committee meetings are viewable online via HTV (under the Committees and Commissions tab). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 Apparently it was Mayor Parker who stepped in on her own circumventing the Council Committee (which of course she has the power to do). I'm thankful that she did because the Council Committee was getting some terrible recommendations from the local fire marshals. Fire Marshals are just like any kind of Engineer....they are inherently lazy! Not a terrible thing. It's just their nature, but it means they aren't exactly open minded to things sometimes and many that I have come across with simply make life harder for everyone because they like having the authority. With Parker stepping in it makes Food Trucks ability to operate within downtown much easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollusk Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 It was going to take some kind of end around, since some members of City Council are not the brightest stars in the firmament. Check out this article, or this one, announcing among other things the idea that propane tanks (similar to what is right outside my back door, and many thousands more throughout the city) can be used as terrorist weapons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Specwriter Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 It was going to take some kind of end around, since some members of City Council are not the brightest stars in the firmament. Check out this article, or this one, announcing among other things the idea that propane tanks (similar to what is right outside my back door, and many thousands more throughout the city) can be used as terrorist weapons. Aren't many fleet vehicles (even some City of Houston owned ones) propane powered? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 Aren't many fleet vehicles (even some City of Houston owned ones) propane powered? Every indoor forklift that isn't electric is powered by propane, or used to be when I was running one 30 years ago. I don't recall hearing about any problems. And, how many backyard grills blow up? That's not common, and they are mostly propane. We need Hank Hill to explain about the safety of propane and propane accessories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronTiger Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Apparently it was Mayor Parker who stepped in on her own circumventing the Council Committee (which of course she has the power to do). I'm thankful that she did because the Council Committee was getting some terrible recommendations from the local fire marshals. Fire Marshals are just like any kind of Engineer....they are inherently lazy! Not a terrible thing. It's just their nature, but it means they aren't exactly open minded to things sometimes and many that I have come across with simply make life harder for everyone because they like having the authority. With Parker stepping in it makes Food Trucks ability to operate within downtown much easier. The old "architects vs. engineers" battle rears its head again, I see. Anyway, despite some questionable choices government-wise, I'm glad Parker was able to see the food trucks through. I don't think we'll see a lot of controversy over this one though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 In mid-town Manhatten, one of the most regulated and security conscious cities in the United States, there are food trucks every block with, GASP, propane tanks next to PEOPLE and BUILDINGS. Oh, the horror! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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