ice cream truck comeback
I ran across this in the morning paper. i'm a definate supporter of the ice cream truck comeback.
Ice cream truck ban in D.M. gets another look today
A truck owner says he'll be prepared to show that the vehicles are now more safe.
By JASON CLAYWORTH
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
March 13, 2007
7 Comments
Jim O'Callaghan won't attend a public meeting today that will likely decide whether Des Moines lifts a longtime ban on ice cream trucks.
March 31 marks 40 years since his daughter Donna Lynn's death. She was 9 years old when she crossed 50th Street with a treat from an ice cream truck and was struck by a car.
O'Callaghan, whose family still lives in the 3400 block of 50th Street, supported the ban, which has been in place since his daughter was killed.
"I don't want to make a presentation," O'Callaghan said. "It brings back too many memories."
A Kansas City man, Lawrence Williams, has asked the council to reconsider. He owns several ice cream trucks, which he says help create social bonds and a sense of community. He will drive one of his trucks to tonight's meeting.
If council members agree, the ban could be lifted sometime in April.
Williams, who grew up in Des Moines, said he has sympathy for the O'Callaghan family but noted that new ice cream trucks have safety features such as traffic arms and lights to alert drivers.
"I hope I get a chance to address any safety concerns or issues people may have," he said. "It's part of the reason I'm bringing a truck" to Des Moines.
Councilman Chris Coleman said last year that it's time to bring back the summer icons.
"I think it builds the kind of community that you want," he said.
Councilwoman Christine Hensley said Monday that she'd vote to lift the ban if the move includes ordinances to address safety.
"I've seen them successfully run in other communities, and I don't have a problem with it," Hensley said.
The trucks are also banned in West Des Moines and Altoona.
Hundreds of residents, some of whom had complained about noisy bells and whistles on the trucks, signed a petition in 1967 that demanded flashing lights on all mobile vending equipment.
The City Council, however, went a step further and banned the trucks.
A proposal to reverse the ban was defeated in 1996. O'Callaghan led the opposition. He promises to speak out if it appears Williams' sales pitch is headed for success.
Williams last year told the council he would like to put as many as 25 ice cream trucks in Des Moines from January through October and predicted they would generate at least $120,000 in tax revenue each year.
Reporter Jason Clayworth can be reached at (515) 699-7058 or jclayworth@dmreg.com
Ice cream truck ban in D.M. gets another look today
A truck owner says he'll be prepared to show that the vehicles are now more safe.
By JASON CLAYWORTH
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
March 13, 2007
7 Comments
Jim O'Callaghan won't attend a public meeting today that will likely decide whether Des Moines lifts a longtime ban on ice cream trucks.
March 31 marks 40 years since his daughter Donna Lynn's death. She was 9 years old when she crossed 50th Street with a treat from an ice cream truck and was struck by a car.
O'Callaghan, whose family still lives in the 3400 block of 50th Street, supported the ban, which has been in place since his daughter was killed.
"I don't want to make a presentation," O'Callaghan said. "It brings back too many memories."
A Kansas City man, Lawrence Williams, has asked the council to reconsider. He owns several ice cream trucks, which he says help create social bonds and a sense of community. He will drive one of his trucks to tonight's meeting.
If council members agree, the ban could be lifted sometime in April.
Williams, who grew up in Des Moines, said he has sympathy for the O'Callaghan family but noted that new ice cream trucks have safety features such as traffic arms and lights to alert drivers.
"I hope I get a chance to address any safety concerns or issues people may have," he said. "It's part of the reason I'm bringing a truck" to Des Moines.
Councilman Chris Coleman said last year that it's time to bring back the summer icons.
"I think it builds the kind of community that you want," he said.
Councilwoman Christine Hensley said Monday that she'd vote to lift the ban if the move includes ordinances to address safety.
"I've seen them successfully run in other communities, and I don't have a problem with it," Hensley said.
The trucks are also banned in West Des Moines and Altoona.
Hundreds of residents, some of whom had complained about noisy bells and whistles on the trucks, signed a petition in 1967 that demanded flashing lights on all mobile vending equipment.
The City Council, however, went a step further and banned the trucks.
A proposal to reverse the ban was defeated in 1996. O'Callaghan led the opposition. He promises to speak out if it appears Williams' sales pitch is headed for success.
Williams last year told the council he would like to put as many as 25 ice cream trucks in Des Moines from January through October and predicted they would generate at least $120,000 in tax revenue each year.
Reporter Jason Clayworth can be reached at (515) 699-7058 or jclayworth@dmreg.com