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A former Longwood University parking lot may soon be a hub for local food trucks. During their Wednesday, Dec. 4 meeting, the Farmville town council heard a request by Anthony Sprague to set up a food truck project in that area. If approved, the gravel lot, located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Griffin Boulevard and Redford Street, would be the home for two rotating food trucks on a regular basis. In earlier discussions, the town’s planning commission set the maximum at two trucks for that lot, concerned both about parking space and the noise that generators would create. 

“He has plenty of parking in that parking lot he owns for a food truck,” Farmville Town Manager Scott Davis told the council, pointing out that in a lot of cases, food trucks tend to attract more pedestrian traffic rather than vehicles. 

Noting that Sprague originally had requested a conditional use permit for three food trucks, rather than two, council member Carol Amos asked if they could increase that number. Davis explained that while the council could give Sprague the three spaces for food trucks he had originally requested, it would delay everything from starting. This week’s public hearing, for example, had been advertised for a two truck lot. If that increases, then the wording in the permit would have to be changed, the hearing rescheduled and readvertised. And for Sprague, it just delays his ability to get food trucks in that area, if his request is approved. 

Looking at different food truck options 

This has been a lengthy process for Sprague, who originally purchased the lot in 2022. He has reached out to the town staff over the last two years, asking questions about what’s allowed and looking to come up with a use for the property. Earlier this year, this request came before both the planning commission and council in the form of asking if a food truck would be allowed in a residential area. Back in July, council members voted 6-0 to allow food trucks in the R-3 residential district, which allowed this project to move forward. Now, Sprague simply wants to see if he can get approval this week. In regards to the condition of the lot, Sprague said the food truck owners would be responsible for cleaning that up and handling their own trash in general. 

So what happens next? 

Now the case has been introduced and questions asked,it’s time to send it to a public hearing. That will take place this Wednesday, Dec. 11 during the town council meeting. That begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at 144 N. Main Street.