Jefferson Parish, LA (WGSO) Jeff Crouere -Yesterday, Jefferson Parish officials started issuing citations to property owners that allowed taco trucks to conduct business on their premises. Five food stands were in violation of the new parish law. Nonetheless, food operators claim that they will disregard the parish law until property owners force them to leave their locations. 

These mobile facilities are in reality stationary food outlets that need to be held to the same rules and regulations as normal Jefferson Parish restaurants. Jefferson Parish officials have every right to enforce these regulations and attempt to return a sense of normalcy to the parish.
 
It has been almost two long years since Katrina and it is time to start ending special accommodations that were made in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Opponents of the law claim discrimination if not outright racism, but the reality is that parish officials want all food outlets to abide by the same rules. The parish is also cracking down on FEMA travel trailers, portable storage units and property in disrepair.
 
Taco trucks are unsightly and do not offer restroom facilities to patrons. The trucks are in violation of numerous health codes violations as well.
 
Hispanic workers that frequent these mobile units can patronize any of the dozens of Mexican restaurants in the New Orleans area.
 
What is ironic is that now that Jefferson Parish is enforcing regulations and taking steps to crackdown on the taco trucks, New Orleans is rolling out the red carpet. New Orleans councilwoman Shelly Midura, who represents the residents of District A, comprising Uptown and Lakeview, claims that the trucks will be welcome in her district. So, residents of oak lined St. Charles Avenue and prestigious State Street should get prepared for some new neighbors in the near future.  
 
New Orleans has lost thousands of businesses since Katrina, and corporate headquarters have left the city as well. The most recent threat comes from Tidewater International, an oil and gas company with historic ties to New Orleans that is studying a move to Houston. Sadly, almost nothing has been done, besides a City Council proclamation, to keep the company in New Orleans. So, as New Orleans loses corporate headquarters, and thousands of good paying jobs, they are gaining taco trucks, not the type of bargain that is good for the economy or image of the city.
 
Congratulations to Jefferson Parish for taking a step in the right direction and letting everyone know that it is well past time to end the hurricane emergency situation, now that almost two years have elapsed. 

---

Bookmark