LIC Citizens Raise Considerations About Food Trucks Near Gantry Plaza State Park in Intense Police Gathering

SERVING THE CITY OF LONG ISLAND

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June 6, 2024 By Queens Post News Staff

Dozens of local citizens voiced their concerns about food trucks at Gantry Plaza State Park at a fiery rally with officials from the 108th District of the Irish Center New York on Thursday, May 30.

Long Island City citizens complained to Cmdr. Tony Wong about a litany of food truck riots along Center Boulevard between 48th Avenue and 51st Avenue during Thursday’s convention at the New York Irish Center at 10-40 Jackson Ave.

Several citizens said it was to locate the parking lot near Gantry Plaza State Park because food truck operators parked “junk cars” there year-round to reserve spots for the summer season. They also allege that some food truck operators buy food from pickup trucks. parked near the coastal park.

Residents have argued that many food trucks operate illegally and create a challenge in the quality of life for local residents. They said the many food trucks operating on the domain have hygiene issues, which attracts rats to the park.

They also claim that some food trucks in the area are operating without access and that some consumers have fallen after buying food.

Meanwhile, others complained about a food cart circulating in and around Gantry Plaza State Park, which would operate without a permit. Local citizens said the food cart blocked access to sidewalks in and around the park.

Under the leadership of local attorney James Edstrom, citizens have also raised concerns that many food trucks stay open until the wee hours of the morning, drawing crowds to Gantry Plaza State Park long after the park closes at 10 p. m.

Edstrom and citizens have called for a “No Standing” sign prohibiting food trucks from operating on the boardwalk between 10 p. m. and 10:00 p. m. and 7:00 a. m. that will be installed in the park.

Edstrom also asked Wong to write a letter to the Department of Transportation providing his support for such a move.

He also asked Juan Ardila, a member of the State Assembly, who attended Thursday night’s meeting, to send a letter to the DOT about the move. Edstrom implored extra from Borough President Donovan Richards and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, who sent representatives to the meeting. to the initiative.

“The captain wishes to send a letter to the DOT asking not to interfere at any time,” Edstrom said. “I want each and every politician here tonight to send a letter. If each and every one did this, there’s a smart chance that you’d get a no-position signal.

“I’ve been fighting this for 8 years. Enough. It’s a shame that these food trucks are on the seafront. ”

Edstrom also criticized Community Board 2 for rejecting calls for a No Permanent sign at a recent meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Edstrom raised fears that violence could erupt near food trucks, drawing applause from the crowd gathered at the Irish Center in New York.

“Something has to be done. I assure you that there will be a shooting there or anything will happen. These other deficient people near Gantry have to put up with other people peeing in the bushes, they have to put up with rats. and trash, they have to put up with loud music while walking. Trying to sleep. ”

Visibly frustrated citizens said they no longer needed to “repeat” the same talking points and asked Wong and Ardila to find answers to the problem, with several citizens voicing their opinion in favor of a non-representation zone.

Wong said he understands residents’ frustrations over the factor, but would dedicate himself to sending a letter to the DOT asking for a no-go zone, saying the food truck factor is “sensitive. ”

“I’m willing to have open conversations with other agencies, including Community Board 2, on this issue,” Wong said. “I am more than pleased to provide our investigation of court cases and the main points about our law enforcement. ”

Wong said it “goes beyond the police department” and will require multi-agency collaboration.

“From what I’ve heard, we have fitness issues, we have rat issues, there were garage considerations — the garage is a factor if they’re doing something wrong. Possibly it would or would not be a police factor, but it is still something that we can also take a look at with other agencies.

Wong said the 108th district has won 26 court cases over food trucks near Gantry Plaza State Park since early March, with citizens raising considerations about dual-lane parking and other traffic violations.

He said the NYPD has ordered double-parking 17 times since early March, while the branch has issued 11 citations to cars parked next to food trucks.

Wong noted that the 108th Guardian has lost thirteen officers in the past year due to a variety of reasons and encouraged local citizens to assist law enforcement officials by reporting suspected violations to the 311 hotline.

Ardila said the food truck factor was “difficult to address,” but said quality-of-life issues were a “big concern. ”

He added that the factor of a No Standing sign in the park between 10 p. m. and 7 o’clock a. m. es “something we can look at and work on. ”

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