St. Louisans Want More Street Vending!
This past week I asked a simple question in my weekly poll (see post):
Many cities have active sidewalks with: numerous street vendors selling hot dogs and such. What are your thoughts on allowing more street vendors downtown?
I’m never sure what the sentiment among the readership will be. I just put it our there and see how people vote. Here are the final results for the above question:
This poll was not scientific.
Out of 161 responses only two indicated either to retain the status quo or eliminate the little bit of vending that is permitted. Overwhelmingly you the readers want more street vending.
So now what?
Legal permits are severly limited in number. I’d never advocate just setting up shop on the sidewalk illegally. I also don’t want to see all barriers brought down so we have chaos on the sidewalks.
Like valet parking, I think we need to review best practices from other coties so as to allow, but not stifle, the activity while not infringing on neighboring brick & mortar businesses.
My guess is that several decades ago well meaning men thought it best to restrict street vending to protect restaurants hurting from downtowns dwindling role in the region. Your elected officials at city hall need to understand you want the current politically imposed limitations eased. We, as consumers, need to support street vending if we hope to see more street vendors on the sidewalks.
When I was in Portland,OR earlier this year, I was so impressed with the variety of street vendors. Downtown a whole section of a parking lot is lined with semi-permanent trucks that serve: thai, chinese, BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos….am I am sure much more!
I think scott’s comments, as a vendor, on the last posting on the topic, summarizes the situation well: “I am here to tell you that St Louis is not a city that supports vendors either in terms of government or customership”. Street vendors are small business people, in it for the money. Yes, our government makes it difficult, the weather makes it a challenge, and not enough people are voting with their dollars. I get it. Street vendors would make St. Louis a “better”, more “urban” and exciting city. But the bottom line remains the bottom line. If the demand were really there, we’d be seeing more out there, in spite of all the obstacles (see drug dealing or prostitution for corollaries). IF money were really to be made, you’d be seeing subleases of existing permits and/or renegade operators. What we’re actually seeing is not all of the permits being fully used now – the biggest issue I see is increasing demand, not removing the current “obstacles”!
Several Eastern European cities I’ve visited close down major thoroughfares on the weekend and have huge block parties. Stl could easily test market this first allowing, with extremely reasonable vendor fees, vendors to set up shop along dead portions of Market St. Let the individual owner decide what would sell and what wouldn’t. Set it up for a three month trial period in the summer and see what develops. Anything that gets people out and walking on a consistent basis is good for downtown.
As taxpayers, we’re already subsidizing many of the “choice” spots with our tax dollars. The operating entities rely on concession revenues, in part, to pay us back. Are we better off undercutting this revenue stream, which is what vendors would be doing?
I like B’s idea. Sort of like having the Gypsy Caravan every weekend. As long as the stores and businesses are closed anyway, why not? Anything to get people downtown.
I have to concur with Jim. The two most consistent hot dog vendors have pretty darn good spots in Kiener Plaza and at Olive and 6th. Yet, they are not out there everyday. I suspect vendors in larger cities are our rain or shine, hot or cold. Do the current restrictions ban enclosed carts that I have seen in larger cities? Maybe its not profitable enough for these vendors to invest in this type of rig.
Even when the weather is good there is not a consistent schedule. I don’t know for sure that they will be out. So while I go more often than most downtown workers, I don’t go as much as I could if I knew they would be out.
I agree re: Portland, especially around Pioneer Square….you forgot the Honkin’ Huge Burrito guy! He was a favorite of mine when I lived in Portland several years ago. I totally agree too that St. Louis needs more street vendors. A big weekend market like Portland’s City Market would be lovely too…people here point to Soulard but that’s not really the same, that’s just food. I want artists and photographers and craftmakers and food vendors, and people there with their dogs in strollers and cats on leashes and children running everywhere and live music….hm. Maybe I really should move back to the Northwest.
Steve,
How do you propose combating ADA compatability when a street vendor’s popularity overtakes a sidewalk?
I voted for “can’t have too many.”
Just seeing if I’m being “moderated” here.
Apparently not. Hmmmm…
Being “moderated” usually happens when you include more than one link to another site.