Usually, when a group of residents come before the city’s Zoning Hearing Board in connection with someone else’s petition, there are naysayers among them.
On Wednesday, a group of about 10 people turned up at Tyrone Stewart’s request for a special exception to allow him to operate a catering trailer which is currently stationary behind his residence in the 2000 block of the Seventh Avenue – and all were in support.
They got what they wanted, as the board of directors granted the special exception, on condition that Stewart had his trailer repaired – so that it would be mobile again – within three months, and formalized the arrangements. offsite parking with a nearby attorney’s office and church. and sticks to its current mid-day operating schedule.
“Thank you so much,” Stewart said after the decision. “Thank you so much.”
Stewart had previously obtained a minor impact commercial license to install the food trailer at his home in the mixed commercial-residential zone – a license that required the trailer to be mobile, according to attorney Bill Stokan.
His situation became a problem for the board when the freezer came loose from the frame, preventing the trailer from being towed.
Wednesday’s decision gives Stewart three months of grace.
The person he relies on to fix the trailer is often out of town for work and has not yet committed to making the necessary repairs, which will include welding, said Stewart.
When the trailer is mobile again, he will be able to sell food anywhere it would otherwise be legal to do so, officials said.
This would include the current location behind his residence, according to board member Ted Beam.
The city currently does not have an ordinance setting out specific restrictions for food trucks, although the council has a potential ordinance under consideration.
To substantiate his case, Stewart brought not only his followers in person, but also screenshots of numerous Facebook testimonials and a notebook with signatures and spoke about the Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey distribution and interactions with. the many people passing in the alley. in front of the trailer to access Sheetz and Altoona schools.
“You must be congratulated” said Stokan.
There is space on the lot for several cars, and space for many more on the neighboring prosecutor’s and church lots, which are available depending on “verbal” chords, he said.
No one objected to him selling his cheesesteaks, hoagies and wings from his trailer, he said.
Sales are take-out, with chairs outside just for customers to wait for their food to be prepared – although her children and grandchildren and one of her two employees’ children hang out longer, he said. -he declares.
There is no real loitering, he said.
There is a large vacant lot across the driveway, which alleviates concerns about the trailer’s potential to annoy neighbors, Stokan said.
The trailer is open to businesses from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
“I continue to grow as a small business”, said Stewart. “I envision maybe another three-year high, as I progress and take that step into brick and mortar. “
“He makes good food” said Robert Howard, a customer.
Mirror staff writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.
