Evanston City Council voted last week to change restrictions on food and drink vendors at city parks and beaches.
The changes in the approved ordinance allow pushcart food operators to set up within 100 feet of beaches and parks and requires vendors to use their own waste receptacles that are also easily accessible to customers.
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“This is a very low barrier for entry as far as opening and operating a business,” said Ald. Devon Reid. “We’re not talking about building new structures on the lakefront. These are people who will have human-powered pushcarts.”
The item passed 6-3. Some council members were concerned that the language was not clear enough and needed more time in committees to finalize the details.
“It’s very clear that the staff is concerned about the ability to properly make sure that we have a right licenser food carts on our lakefront, and they need more time to figure this out,” said Ald. Melissa Wynne.
Under the new ordinance, food cart vendors will need to submit an application to the city for a license.
Three or fewer vendors will be allowed to operated on the beach, and each vendor is subject to an inspection before they can begin operation. Vendors will not be allowed on the beaches once beach season is over in Evanston.
According to city documents, the regulations of the ordinance will be enforced by the health and human services department and the parks and recreation department.
The City Council also approved a pilot parking program along the lakefront that began Aug. 2 and will run through Oct. 31, according to the city.
Parking rates for vehicles without a paid Evanston wheel tax will be $3 per hour for designated streets along the lakefront with enforcement between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., every day.
The fees can be paid through coins, credit card and on the ParkEvanston app.
The program will be in place at: 1700 through 1800 Sheridan Road, 1400 Sheridan Road, 1400 Sheridan Road (Dawes Park lot), 500 through 600 block of Sheridan Square on the east side and the Lighthouse Beach lot at 2611 Sheridan Road.
Emily Little is a freelance reporter.