Drexel University students start petition to save food trucks

An online petition was launched Monday in order to "save" the food trucks operating on Drexel University's campus.

On June 18, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell introduced Bill 150600, which would essentially create a Drexel University District.

The petition, "Save the Drexel Food Trucks," is aimed at getting City Council to rethink the proposal, which would enforce a number of regulations and restrictions on food trucks.

The Drexel University District area would be 32nd Street between Market and Chestnut streets, where a total of 25 vendors – street and sidewalk – would be permitted to operate. The proposal allows for just 10 street vendors, those occupying parking spaces and each would be required to pay an annual $2,750 fee, meant to equate to the cost of parking revenue for the spaces for five days a week for 52 weeks. The spaces will be controlled by the City of Philadelphia and Drexel University.

“City Council is trying to shut down food trucks on Drexel’s campus because they compete with on-campus dining options,” the petition’s website says. The bill hinders the ability for food trucks to operate in their current state, the petition adds.

Councilwoman Blackwell, however, says the proposal is not meant to be anti-food truck.

“The new vending district proposed under this legislation will provide several areas on Drexel’s campus for vending, which will enhance pedestrian safety, particularly along Market Street at the intersections of 33rd and 32nd streets,” Blackwell explained in a Drexel University statement.