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City Councilmembers: Restrictions On Food Trucks Are Needed

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The City Council on Wednesday discussed a proposed bill that would create zones where food trucks cannot operate.

As 1010 WINS' Stan Brooks reported, some City Council members characterized the current situation as a free-for-all, with food trucks interfering with business at brick-and-mortar restaurants, and without consequence.

City Councilmembers: Restrictions On Food Trucks Are Needed

Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-21st) said it is like the Wild West in her Queens neighborhood. Food trucks set up shop right near brick-and-mortar restaurants, she said.

Five trucks are parked on Warren Avenue 24 hours a day, she said.

"There's a very large restaurant around the corner that they actually paid, I think it was $20,000, to be able to have a café – an outdoor café setup," she said. "They can't even set up outside because of the smoke."

Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-22nd) agreed.

"The lack of rules that exist right now have led to the wild West Side, the wild East Side, and the outer boroughs just being left to fend completely for themselves," he said.

Vallone insisted some new rules are needed.

"Our brick-and-mortar establishments are the backbone of Queens County, and they are going out of business on a daily basis," he said.

Do you think restrictions on food trucks are needed? Leave your comments below...

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