The Open Space District is comprised of the Town Public Beach and Central Park. At this time, the town zoning ordinance does not allow for commercial activity in that District. During the past year, several vendors, the majority being food truck owners have inquired about setting up in the Open Space District.
The issue of allowing limited and regulated commercial in the Open Space District has been brought before the Planning Commission and the Town Council. Despite concerns, Council expressed the possibility of a trial basis to “determine whether it was beneficial to the town, business owners, residents, etc.”
Tropi-Cool Ice, and Italian Ice vendor is requesting to be allowed to use the Open Space District near the beach. The vendor, Donald Middagh will be selling Italian Ice, drinks, and snacks, to pedestrians and beach goers visiting the area from a 5ft by 2ft vending cart under a 10×10 ez-up tent which has an attached sign advertising “Italian Ice”.
The cart itself is basically a large cooler that does not require any electricity or make any type of noise. The product is water-based and would not generate food wastes.
Tropi-Cool Ice is planning operation from 11AM through 7pm Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, dependent on weather and other events that may be occurring on weekends. From the last week of June through the third week in August, the vendor is requesting to be allowed in the space during the weekdays during the same hours.
Council approved the request, and Planning will be monitoring and gathering information about the practical extension of commercial activity in the Open Space District.
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