WUDAC Updates: Food Trucks Questions, Safeway Waiting on Construction Permits

The question of food trucks, specifically the two trucks that operate regularly in Wheaton, dominated the first part of the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee Tuesday evening.

William Moore, manager of the IHOP, mentioned the follow-up he had received from the County Executive's office after he spoke about his concerns about the food trucks at Leggett’s . 

Both food trucks, one in the corner of Veirs Mill near the Pearle Vision, and one behind the t, have the correct permits and have been inspected by the health department, although in the case with the Veirs Mill truck, it took three attempts.

“What I really don’t like is that they can rent a space on private property.” Janet Yu, owner of Hollywood East and a WUDAC member said, adding that there was a lack of guidelines on when the trucks operated. “It’s not like you don’t want [food trucks],” Yu explained, “But you want it to be tasteful and nice.”

Natalie Cantor, director of the Mid-County Services Center suggested that WUDAC hear from a county attorney in their next meeting to learn in more detail and how it compares with neighboring jurisdictions, like D.C. and take action from there.

Safeway Project Waiting on Complete Permitting Package Before Starting Demolition

While Patriot Realty, the developer on the Safeway project, could theoretically begin demolishing the empty Safeway store right now, Pete McGinnity reported that they are waiting on receiving their construction permit before demolishing the store. McGinnity said they can expect to have the construction permit by early summer.

B.F. Saul held the second of three “ad-hoc” community meetings to get community input and feedback on several design ideas for the town square portion of their redevelopment project. Representatives from WUDAC, Wheaton Redevelopment Advisory Committee, Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board and the Latino Economic Development Corporation have attended.