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| Tony Martinez |
“We have so many different issues at the city that probably need addressing, such as public works and city maintenance and things of that nature,” said Martinez, who owns Lola’s restaurant on Palm Boulevard. “I would not put food trucks at the top of my list right now.”
Evidently, Walter Underwood, the former owner of Philly's Americana in Brownsville, stopped trying to fight bureaucracy and regulation in our city and took his food truck to Austin, a city that has dozens of such trucks offering all kinds of unique and sometimes gourmet items.
Now, we have learned that the City of McAllen has created a new ordinance allowing up to twelve new food truck permits to be issued in the city. McAllen Health Director Josh Ramirez is finalizing the rules food truck operators will need to follow according to a report by KRGV.com. "Something you ingeniously build at home is not going to be allowed," Ramirez said.
According to the report, while the permits issued will initially be limited to 12, officials will review the program in a few months amn may consider expanding the number of trucks allowed in the city.
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The City of Austin, of course, has an entire city block near 6th Street dedicated to food trucks. This format allows purveyors of all kinds of cuisines to produce them without the overwhelming overhead of a brick-and-mortar building.
So, while cities like Austin and McAllen recognize and respond to trends and current technology, Tony Martinez and Brownsville officials continue to stifle growth with their lack of imagination and lethargy.
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Great idea for McAllen. Brownsville should okay street corner musicians downtown, hot dog carts and that stuff. dare to dream!
ReplyDeleteGil Gamboa
Great idea for McAllen. Brownsville should okay street corner musicians downtown, hot dog carts and that stuff. dare to dream!
ReplyDeleteGil Gamboa
Mayor Tony Martinez is a crook. His priority is his own self interest.
ReplyDeleteAustin does not allow rolling taco trucks. What it does is allow them to park at certain sectors of the city, in lots that take on a carnival atmosphere, especially after sundown. San Marcos has been doing the same.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned in the story, a designated city block in Austin is devoted to food trucks in the entertainment district.
DeleteJim
As noted in the comment, that particular food truck outlet downtown is merely one of the many locations for such enterprises. Drive South Congress or Lamar or even the road to Zilker Park. There is no fear of such attractions, in other words. You should come to Austin. Sixth Street is not the only entertainment district, although perhaps the best known. I like Rainey Street myself.
Deletehow ironic since tony owned a food truck in austin named el naranjo.
ReplyDeleteApropos of nothing, Jim:
ReplyDeleteLook who else wants to stake a claim in the marriage performing business...
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB370
02/04/2013 S Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption Text: Relating to authorizing certain current and former members of the state legislature to conduct a marriage ceremony.
Author: Lucio
The City of Brownsville only seems to emulate the city of Austin when it bans something. Remember our plastic bag ban, smoking ban? Apparently we love passing banning ordinances.
ReplyDelete[sarcasm on]This type of ordinances allows our city commission to educate its uncouth, uncultured, uneducated, unwashed masses. It is very hard to educate all these peons who instinctively reject progress and change.
The Brownsville citizenry is very rude and does not understand that they should respect their betters, for the commission only has the best of intentions for them. We only want to take care of them and to infuse a little culture in their feeble minds. They need to trust us and let us govern, their meddling in city business is just plain rude. [sarcasm off]
Exercise your voting rights, but before you vote put on your critical thinking hat to decide who to vote for. Beware of recycled politicians and of newcomers whispering sweet nothing in your ear making impossible promises.
If we had food trucks in Brownsville, they would likely set up at noon near the County and Federal Courthouses....which would compete with Tony's own restaurant business and other "established" businesses; owned by people who voted for Tony. Mr. Underwood had not "political power" against Tony and was shot down. It is great to go down to South Congress in Austin to explore the culinary delights of the food trucks....especially the cupcakes. While the motto of Austin is "Keep Austin Weird".....the motto of Tony Martinez and other locally elected officials is "Keep Brownsville Stupid"...and they are doing a good job of promoting that motto here.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering what Rico's vans are categorized as? Last time I checked elotes, nachos, frito pie etc. we're considered food. Yet they travel our streets even as late as 9:30 at night.
ReplyDelete