Food trucks coming to Main Street Gardiner

By RICK REMSNYDER
Posted 6/28/22

An application for two food trucks on Main Street in Gardiner generated enthusiastic support from two town residents at a public hearing at the June 21 Town of Gardiner Planning Board meeting.

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Food trucks coming to Main Street Gardiner

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An application for two food trucks on Main Street in Gardiner generated enthusiastic support from two town residents at a public hearing at the June 21 Town of Gardiner Planning Board meeting.

Joseph Fitzpatrick of Golden Dome Realty submitted a site plan application for two food trucks with two teardrop signs and two picnic tables at 144 Main St.

In his application to the Planning Board, Fitzpatrick admitted that the food trucks could cause some traffic congestion. But he seemed confident in his application that the location of the food trucks wouldn’t cause significant traffic problems in the hamlet of Gardiner.

“Yes (the) food truck could slightly increase traffic,” Fitzpatrick said in his application. “But likely will use Route 44-55 existing infrastructure/existing curb cut (which) should be adequate.”

During the public hearing, town residents Jennifer Gilligan of 27 Church Farm Road and Mary Meyer of 261 Mckinstry Road both said the food trucks would be a welcome addition to the Gardiner business district.

“I’d like to voice my support for food trucks in the community having lived here about half my life,” Gilligan said.

“I welcome the diversity of having additional food choices in the hamlet. And I know that I’m not alone.”

“I love the idea of having different food options in our town,” Meyer agreed. “I believe it would be very cool and trendy to have various food trucks in the center of town. I believe it would also benefit the other businesses in town as well.”

Meyer said there are currently no Mexican restaurants in Gardiner.

“Let’s bring back the taco trucks that everyone loves in the center of town,” Meyer said. “And let’s bring another type of food truck in town. Maybe we can have Chinese or Thai. We can have equity for all in our town. Diversity is great in any setting. And a town such as Gardiner could become the standard of other towns to follow.”

Meyer said the Town of Gardiner has become a tourist destination because travelers enjoy the town’s majestic views of the Shawangunk Ridge. Food trucks would benefit both tourists and local residents, she said.

“We’ve lived in Gardiner for 34 years and I’ve watched it become a quiet little town into what’s now, I don’t know if I like it as much, but it’s a destination,” Meyer said. “So, why not give our residents the fun of having the option of a quick and great meal. And for the tourists, too. They’re already here and they’ll continue to come.”

Meyer also vouched for Fitzgerald’s reputation as a business owner in the town.

“I believe Mr. Fitzgerald is a great businessman,” Meyer said. “As the owner of Lightning Express (Delivery Service), he’s proven himself in our town. He’s a class act and he makes Gardiner proud.”

Following some discussion by the Planning Board about parking and water requirements for the food trucks, Chair Paul Colucci noted that the Town Board is looking into adopting codes to regulate food trucks in Gardiner so “it doesn’t become the La La land for food trucks.”

The board then voted to close the public hearing on the food trucks. The board is expected to continue to review the application at subsequent meetings.

In other news, there was more discussion about the Lazy River Resort’s special permit application. No action was taken by the board.

The Town Board has already approved Lazy River Resort’s 2022 license at its April 12 meeting. The resort was approved to operate the campground from mid-April through mid-November.

At the June 14 Town Board meeting, the public voiced its displeasure during a public hearing about the proposed expansion of the resort via the creation of a Floating District.

The public hearing will continue at the Town Board’s July 12 meeting. Under consideration will be 12 waivers requested by the owners of the Lazy River Resort.