Don't allow venders: Allowing street venders in downtown Chapel Hill would be unsightly

Part of downtown Chapel Hill's appeal is that it has the feel of an authentic small town.

But this could change if the Chapel Hill Town Council lifts the ban on street vendors. Repealing this ban has the potential to overcrowd downtown and hurt local businesses.

The ban was first put into effect in 1977. According to former board member of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership Steve Allred" the ban was put in place after ""hippies"" were making more money at street stands than businesses in storefronts were.

And while times have changed" the ban is still justifiable.

Allowing vendors could make competition more intense for downtown businesses while doing nothing to encourage business owners to rent out vacant real estate.

Policies should be geared toward support for permanent businesses in the storefronts lining Franklin Street.

And the sidewalks on Franklin Street are already crowded.

Allowing street vendors would simply detract from the attractiveness of downtown Chapel Hill.

They would block not only foot traffic but also the view of historic buildings that give downtown its character and much of its appeal.

And the town can't pick and choose what types of vending it wants on Franklin Street because it cannot selectively ban vendors.

Since 2005 the town council has looked into repealing the ordinance several times fortunately with no real headway.

They should save themselves the effort of considering the repeal yet another time.