This comment was posted on another thread by "just saying" on October 21, 2009: I added the photo.
"Speaking of places to eat, Is Portland quickly becoming a town full of concession stands or what? I know of four, three of them are on 109 and the other is on South Russell. What's up with that!"
I think this is an interesting topic and deserves some discussion. What does everyone think of these "concession stands," do they meet zoning and health regulations, has anyone on the blog eaten at one of them, are these stands good or bad for Portland, etc.?
Charlie
we need more jobs in portland i try to put applications in everywhere and i cant find a damn job. im 17 and i have been looking for a job for a year now so can we get some more establishments in town like the taco bell that i thought we were going to get????
Some of the same people that are talking about the Gov. taking away rights are the same people that are trying to take the rights away from the people that are trying to make a living selling BBQ.
Guess what? People are reading the blog! I've noticed a little more traffic @ the concession stands since this thread started. Hmmmm....maybe that was the intention all along.
Although I think it's a shame to see these types of vendors popping up in town, it's no surprise. The zoning of this town has obviously been done in a very haphazard, or politically expedient way. Church, commercial storage, church, Cares, private home, commercial, etc. Everything in this town seems random and I don't see it ever developing the way others have if something isn't done to fix the zoning laws.
Who could ever have thought that placing Cares on Hwy 52 would be a good idea? All it is now is a temporary dumping place. Yea, that's the way to attract business from out of town...pretty the place up.
There are so few good places to eat in Portland, I welcome any type of place to get decent food as long as it is clean. I plan on trying the taco stand soon. Much rather have a good taco than McD's or Arby's.
Brook, some of us on the blog ARE trying very hard to make Portland better and are working in the city to make it a better place. What you call complaining is some of us trying to call attention to things that need attention given to, and issues that need resolving. Everyone can't get elected to City Council, be a fireman, or a policeman. But, we can talk to the City Council - and we do - and we can blog here, to call attention to issues that may get some support from others, so that there can be changes made.
And even if there are those who are not volunteering around town or working in the city -- this is a blog --- for all who want to -- to talk, complain, voice their opinions of what goes around around Portland -- that is what a blog is.
Many changes take place from complaints. Complaints stir public awareness and can create change, you know. There is nothing worse than there being a problem and people saying and doing nothing. That is apathy.
i have lived in the portland area for 5 years now and the people on this blog always find something wrong with everything. they complain about the police, fire, city codes...instead of complaining why don't you just try and make a difference and run for city council or try and work for the police, fire, codes or whatever if you think you can do better!
Still see nothing has changed since I made a post on here a few days ago. The communist of this town are coming out in force! I guess it's time to burn "OLE GLORY" and put up the Soviet Flag! I guess my next question is, do I need to speak russian or have to speak spanish still?
It's White House. Not Whitehouse.
You're comparing Watermelons to Grapes! I've been to Jamaica too, oh help us if we start selling our wares barefoot and out of the hats on our head!
Sounds to me like some of Portland residents support this socialist turnaround this country is having. Since when has being an entrepreneur been a crime. If Joe BBQ smoker wants to risk his money on slabs of meat hoping someone will come to his trailer and he gets a business started out of it is that not being "Progressive"? If it takes away from the business of The BBQ Pit then I guess The BBQ Pit needs to make some changes. I went to the mexican market the other day and they had some of those tacos inside the store and they looked really good and I plan on trying them sometime. As long as the city is enforcing them being on a commercial lot and the health inspector checks them out like everyone else I don't see why there is a problem. I don't know but based on some other's posts they are.
I frequent JoAnn's stand weekly. Not because of her name and not because of the McDowell connection but because she offers a product that is far superior to any you will find at Food Lion or HG Hills and her prices are way better. If Food Lion and Hills would keep their produce section fresh then I wouldn't have to go to JoAnn.
I do missionary work in Jamaica and they have roadside businesses everywhere because people are trying to make a living. Whether it is a jerk chicken stand, a lady standing on the side of the road selling cashews, or the people selling boiled shrimp, they are all doing it to feed their family. In this tough economic time there are a few citizens in this town that want to make money doing something they know how to do and like doing it. If they are not good at it or the places stay dirty customers will not go. Competition brings out the best in all businesses or they fail, is that not considered "Progressive"? What's wrong with a little competition?
"But the trailers are unsightly blemishes on this town." Was there not a comment like this regarding the Crime Scene Van being parked in front of, of all places, the police station? Last I saw, the trailers themselves are not bad looking. Come on people, let the free market work and it will all be ok, I promise.
I think what the real complaint is that Portland seems to not care what kind of business goes up or seems not to have any codes that are enforced as to how a business presents itself. There really should be some codes that state how many tacky advertising signs are in the parking lot, real signs, instead of shoe polish written on windows... merchandise out in the parking lots, etc. --- that sort of thing, not to mention a fair code about yard sales vs. fruit stands and other things sold in yards -- permits, vs. no permits, etc.
Portland should start insisting that businesses "shape up" and make Portland a city that looks like we care about our city -- and not just a place where "anything goes".
if you are complaining about a total of four concession stands in the entire city, you have too much time on your hands and are just dying to complain about something. get over it. at least a couple of them are here to stay.
Some concession carts are dumpier than others - visually. It doesn't mean they aren't clean inside and don't provide excellent food. CJ on S. Russell has one of the nicest concession trailers I have seen. Her food there is absolutely delicious, and when she caters an event you can expect to be completely happy with your meal. I think it would be great if she could move elsewhere into town along 109, just so she'd have more exposure. There's brick and mortar restaurants in town that could take a few lessons on cleanliness and curb appeal.
As far as the town being a dump...I am someone who has lived and travelled all over the country, and yep, I would classify this place as a dump. It has its nice parts but when a newcomer is greeted on Hwy 52 with trailers that have flashing coming off and appliances on the porch, it doesn't make a good first impression. White House passed a resolution saying that trailers couldn't be replaced inside city limits with new trailers. Kudos to White House on that one. The trailers that are here in Portland should be condemned and a similar resolution passed. Oh, but doesn't a councilman own some of the trailers?
You think they are eyesores. You don't like looking at them. Way different.
carn
That's your opinion and not mine just for the record.
Aho-
-No I don't believe your post should be censored. I don't mind someone having different opinions. I had a post a little while back that said pretty similar things about robbery and guns and it was deleted for being "inappropriate".
-These stands are not junkyards or dumps. They are not the same thing. Not even close.
Carn
Is my post to be censored because I don't share your opinion. I guess you wouldn't mind someone setting up a junk yard or even a public dump in your neighbor hood so they could make a honest living or is that different. To me it is the same thing. I wonder if the fruit stand does pay taxes and if they have a business licence.
Yes, is is stupid to have to get a permit for a yard sale...but that's what one City Council passed. I can only think they were just trying to make someone happy that complained....it makes no sense otherwise....when there are no restrictions on other people selling things in their yards....fruit, cars, other items....etc.
I think maybe they were targeting some people who had a continuous yard sale business going and weren't paying sales tax to the city. Instead of telling them they needed to get a business license, they punished all of us, who simply want to have an occasional yard sale.
Have you read the rules on the yard sale permit ???
They should put such restrictions on the fruit stand !!!
There is even a clause in there about traffic ---
Needing a permit for a yard sale is stupid IMO.
If people have to get a permit to have a yard sale and go by the restrictions on them --- why doesen't the fruit stand have to abide by the same rules....after all, they ARE selling stuff in their yards, same as a yard sale.
Does this fruit stand have a business license and do they pay taxes to the city ? If not, why not. It's an everyday business in the summer season.....
I agree with mrider on that last commetn both comments
I didn't say anything about the people running the fruit stand. I don't know them. I am glad that they can provide a service but if everyone in town did this at their house there would be a problem. The traffic is a problem already. Everyone no matter who you are should have to report this as a business. I suppose this is why people in this town don't want to voice their opinions. When you do you get blasted from all ends and the subject changes like the wind.
Wait a minute! In my opinion, Ms. JoAnne provides an important service to our town. She provides an outlet for local growers to sell their produce, and fresh food is a welcome change from the grease that is served in all of our restaurants. Without her little stand, a person either has to just "know" who grows and sells fresh food, or drive to Scottsville and get fresh produce from the Mennonites.
I have to say that I was glad to see a Farmer's Market when we moved to Portland a few years ago. I didn't realize that, for some unspoken political reason, nobody would patronize the Market, which would have give the local growers one central outlet for their goods. It had safe parking, too. Go figure. Now it has been converted into a shed for the City to use.
Instead of slamming Ms. JoAnn's little operation, perhaps we should address the safety issues that arise because her location. Is there a safer place where she could set up shop?
Aho-
You are right. No one should try to make a living so that you might not be "discusted". How many of you Christians complained about Pastor Mike being asked not to post sermons on the blog, yet complain about someone trying to make an honest living because you don't like the way it looks? And no one ever robs convenience stores, do they?
And speaking of robbing and shooting, are you guys going to censor Aho's post? Or mine?
No, If someone operating the fruit stand or one of the concession stands were harmed I imagine everyone in town would be praying for the victims families and wanting justice for them just like any other person in Portland who lives in our community and has something terrible happen to them.
I love, love, LOVE the fruit stand! They offer affordable fruits and vegetables that are of a superior quality at a more then reasonable price. I can actually put fresh fruit and vegetables on my table for my family. The people that run the stand are always friendly and extremely helpful. They are good people and I love buying from them. Not to mention I'm buying American and supporting local growers when I get my produce from them.
That little concession stand that sits down the road in the church parking lot isn't tacky. It's kind of cute the way they set it up. Like an outdoor bistro. It's new and people don't always enjoy new.
The people that run the fruit stand are Jody Mcdowell's Father and his aunt Jo Ann and oh yes don't forget The little Ronnie McDowell Connection. Yes there are some close calls there with the traffic. I've had a few driven by.
All the stands are degrading to their surrounds weather that are supporting their families or not. I souldn't have to be discusted everytime I drive through town.
Wait till one of the stands gets robbed and the person running it gets shot. I bet everyone will want to see them gone then.
Just bringing up something that causes a traffic problem. No need to get angry. Anyone can get angry. I am just stating a fact and trying to get some information. I will see about getting in touch with city hall like bbb suggest. Reputable, who you know, who you are pretending to be. These are your words. sorry to use famous in my statement.
who said anyone was famous, a reputable name doesn't mean famous,
don't think you are as new in town as you claim to be, are we stirring for something here?
I am new here also but it shouldn't be who you know. Maybe the city can answer this question. Who is this famous person who can break the rules and cause traffic problems. No rules or rules?
I would think city hall would know why don't you ask them?
Hey, now that Obama is President maybe he can do something about all those hot dog carts in our nation's capital
Well that is fruit! And that woman has a very very reputable last name. Here in Portland its all about who your family is, who you know, or who you pretend to be. I wish my life's aspirations were as simple as to just be a medium sized fish in the lil old pond of Portland.
What about the fruit and vegetable stand on S Russell St & Fowler Ford Rd? Is this a business? Buying & reselling should be considered a business. Traffic problems there alot and do they have a business license or business zoning for this house? Just wondering. Rules should be enforced all over town in the same manner.
As I said before, those "dumps" help feed and clothe someone's family. Where would you have these people work at? Would you rather have them on unemployment and/or welfare? At least they are trying to make a living, which is more that can be said for some people. And also, how long does someone have to live in Portland before they can comment on this blog?
DC- If B has lived here since 86, I'd say 30+ years gives them a right to have some say as to what goes on in this town. That's kind of arrogant of you to think otherwise.
Living here 23 years is not long enough to comment??? Wow!! does this mean B doesn't have to pay taxes any longer? I guess I need to start keeping my mouth shut because that is how long I have lived here. Moved here when my youngest daughter started school because I did not want her to go to Gallatin. Loved it and never moved back.
Hey.... But wait....how long do you have to live here before you are considered a Portland resident?? Life????
B
You haven't lived here long enough to comment and you obviously dont care about how this town looks. Wouldn't suprise me if you don't own one of those dumps ( concession stands ). I'm not one of those that want's Portland to be like Brentwood I prefer Green Hills myself.
My comment you are refering to was in the October Around town, and I didn't say "I guess I should read the *progressive* more often rather than throw it out" I said I should read the *paper* more often than..... I don't even subscribe to the "Progressive", in reading back thru the comment I was referring to there, I now see it did say "was all over the front page of the *Progressive* and perhaps if one wanted to they could assumeeeeeeee that I was referring to that paper since it was mentioned. Sorry you got that impression, but it was not my intention. I have my own preference for news media and that's my choice to make. To everyone else, I apologize for being off topic, just wanted to answer this comment.
I have lived here much longer than you have, for whatever that means. Just because Portland is a small town, it does not mean it can't be clean and neat, so that its citizens can have a real sense of pride in it. I have traveled all over the United States and seen many much smaller towns than Portland and they tolerate no junky businesses and trash in their towns and businesses with too many tacky signs all over them, for example.
Portland will never be another Brentwood and I don't think there is anyone here who is advocating that.
It's not being "snobby" to request that businesses paint their stores, pick up the trash around them, and have some codes that are fair to all businesses owners. Just because you own property does not mean you can do anything you want with it when it impacts your neighbor or others around you, by having a negative influence.
It is so neat to go to little towns that are neat and clean and have a distinct look to them...it makes you feel proud for them that they care about their town. It would be so nice to have that feeling about Portland. It will take some time, but I think Portland is working on it --- it will just require some leadership that wants that, too...and it will take the citizens to want it, too, and take more pride in how they want their town to look.
The last Around Town thread was labeled September, so I didn't know if I should post there or not...?
But anyway, I wanted to compliment the Progressive for their story on the middle school principal. That was pretty quick work.
Also, Judy, why do you hate the Progressive so much? Every time it is mentioned in a thread, you answer with "throw it out," etc?
I have lived in Portland since 1986. I just would like to know how many of the people that have complained on here have been here that long? In my opinion it seems like people want to turn Portland into the new Brentwood! You know all fancy expensive homes, with their noses stuck up in the air, and don't yell at my kind for being a brat attitude that most of all people seem to have this days. Also trying to tell people what the can and can not do with their own property or they will get a new law passed just because they have to control everything in everyone elses life. You people make me sick. I know, why don't we just burn "OlD Glory" and put up a Soviet flag? Portland is a small town. I don't care what other towns are doing or have. If you want that stuff, then pack up and go there! If you don't want to go, then SHUT UP!!!!!!
Excuse me if I seem confused, You wrote;
"If you don't like the town, put up the sign, rent the van, and journey on down to paradise, wherever it may be. If you stay, roll up your sleeves, and help Portland be the best town Portland can be."
I don't understand why you would tell someone if they don't like it leave because they don't like the appearances of food carts on the corners! Yet, in your second sentence you say that if you stay roll up your sleeves and help the town be the best it can be. I thought that was the views most were trying to express.... they WOULD like to see Portland the best it can be, and don't think this (the carts) is a good approach in getting there.
Are we not supposed to want Portland to progress as the signs imply? Are we supposed to just accept things the way they are because Portland has always been that way, and not care to see it improve, wether that be in appearance, growth, schools, roads or whatever?
If one has never lived elsewhere that person knows nothing other than their surroundings of which they have lived all their lives. Outsiders come here each and every day, some move here due to employment, family, or both like me, and other reasons as well. They chose to make Portland their home, they've invested in this community, pay taxes, support the local economy, and the community, just like those that have lived here all their lives! They on the other hand, have lived in other areas, they know another way of living, better, worse, or the same. I know this first hand having just visited my old home town in South Florida, and believe me, I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times I said... "You couldn't pay me enough $$ to ever go back". Nobody is trying to turn Portland into fantasy land, perhaps just Proud and Progressive, you know, what this town prides itself in being, that's not too much to expect. The simplest things can make a big difference, but if you squash initiative, desires and ideas you'll eventually go backwards.
- Sorry for the long post
lol, your post might get the award for post of the year, at least it is a top 3.
We do not realize how blessed we are. We take things for granted, me included. If you don't like the town, put up the sign, rent the van, and journey on down to paradise, wherever it may be.
If you stay, roll up your sleeves, and help Portland be the best town Portland can be.
At least the people who operate these stands aren't letting the recession keep them down. I see it as resourceful. Maybe they lost their jobs and this was a good option for them. They are legitimate businesses that are keeping someone's family fed and clothed. Instead some of you would have them run out of town and looking for other work in Portland that's just not here anymore.
FOUR whole concession stands!!!! Better ring the FBI, no no the Department of Homeland Security. Gotta get those assessment teams on the ground fast!
You're right, it IS wrong....it's very wrong.
Portland has no problem putting controls on us housewives for having yard sales, but yet they allow these trailers to park wherever .......hmmmmm.....maybe I could have a mobile yard sale in a trailer and move it around all over town .....how about that ??? Then it wouldn't be a yard sale anymore....it'd be a business in a box on wheels. Guess as long as the city can collect the sales tax and get the fee for my business license, anything would be ok....huh ?
Competition is competition. The best food wins. The cart cannot take too much business away from a building. There are times when you want to grab some food and some times when you want to sit and have a bite. And of course changes in the season.
If you are so well traveled than you know that food is sold on carts in most cities unless a town ordinance forbids it. Obvious we are behind? How do you figure? Because other places have more stores? Surely this is not what you are basing your opinion on.
Lets talk about the surrounding communities. Gallatin is dirty and it smells of sewer. It is full of crime for such a small town. Not to mention insane traffic. Then there is Whitehouse. Whitehouse is not much of a city. It has a few more stores due to being .093 seconds from the interstate. Whitehouse is the town where people who cannot afford to live in Hendersonville and not smart enough to live in Portland live. Franklin Kentucky is a cute little town, with a major dark side. But it is in Kentucky..Enough said.
The only people who give you that hesitant "Oh Portland" are people from within the county. It is one of the smallest towns so they automatically think poor hicks. 75 miles from here and nobody knows where Portland is.
Portland is what it is. Take it or leave it, and stop trying to make it something it is not nor will ever be.
I find these wagons in very poor taste for this city. We have finally made at least some headway in getting businesses to clean up. Ex: going s on 109 and the machine place that has finally done some dressing up.
How can they expect businesses to come here, put in landscaping, x# of paved parking spots, abide to certain signage requirements, if you want to open a food spot big or small, invest thousands into a grease containment system, install ansel systems, knox boxes, meet ada requirements etc. and then let these portable lunch wagons come in and set up on every other corner, with little if any restrictions.
This is wrong!
Jaws
I agree when i tell people where i live i tend to get the same reaction. I also have visited about forty states and a dozen countries. I work in Nashville and travel the city everyday and also see these trailers there like in many of the cities I've traveled to. We are not the only town that has them. If none of you has seen them in other towns that is because they are normally in the worst parts of town where they just blend in with all the run down businesses.
I have to see these crappy joints every day when i go to work and now get to see them when i come home thanks to Portlands Relaxed codes. We've had them for years and will probably see them for many years. The Hawaiian shaved ice has been in town for 10 to 20 years it seems so don't be suprised if these stick around.
Bleh,
I'm not sure exactly where you have been, but I have lived all over the country and I too have been oll over the world. Compared to many of communities surrounding Portland, it is obvious we are behind.
I visit people's homes on a daily basis, and when I tell people where I live I get that hesitant...OH,Portland...with that sort of EEEWWW to thier voice. This is unfortunate and I believe for the most part undeserved, but it certainly doesn't need to be added to by having mobile meals on every corner. It is just not appropriate, in my opinion it should be treated exactly the same as a yard sale, for which Portland does have some laws and guidelines.
I don't see anything simple about the competition when the carts have basically no overhead and the brick and morter places have rent of over a thousand dollars a month to pay plus the utilities to maintain those businesses, not to mention the equipment costs, insurance, taxes, liability, the list goes on, the carts can undercut pricing big time and easily demolish a decent place to eat, "IF" people were willing to eat at them. We'll see how much business they do when the weather gets cold.
Charlie, as someone who travels 109 often, I very RARELY see cars at the BBQ Pit. Maybe I am going by at the wrong time.
The only people who think Portland is a "dirty little town" or some type of eye sore are those who have never really been anywhere else. I was born and raised elsewhere and traveled much of the world. I am happy to be here. I doubt seriously that these little carts are taking much away from the brick and mortar places. This is just simple business competition, the guy with the best food, best deals, and cleanest kitchen wins.
Quote form earlier post:
"Portland is not some fancy-pants little town. I don't think people driving thru would expect much more than what they see."
What a shame that this is how some folks that live right here in Portland think. Why shouldn't we ask for more? Should we just settle for what we've got because thats just the way it has always been? Is that Progressive, as Portland so gladly claims to be?
I have seem some progress in Portland over the previous 2 or 3 years, I still think there needs to be omething deon about the trailer park on both sides of Hwy 52 from the West and I also think there needs to be something done about the general appearance of the buildings and businesses (ncluding the Police Station) along Hwy 109 on both ends of town.
Let's not add to the already "dirty little town" reputation that Portland seems to have gotten. These truck "mobile" resaurants should not be allowed along main highways or in front of other business's and they are not typical in other communities. They detract from the visual appeal of the area.
What is the difference between one of these places or a yard sale, isn't there a limit on the number of days anyone can have a yard sale?
I don't see a huge problem with the concession stands. They are inspected by the health department and they do have them in a lot of major cities with great food. Most of them are cleaner and better maintained then the brick and mortar buildings and they add variety.
I have to agree that the stands are taking away from the brick and mortar places but I have to wonder if the places that are letting this stands park on their property are getting a cut of profits or rent.
I had rather see the stands parked someplace like S. Russell instead of in the middle of town. Portland is not some fancy-pants little town. I don't think people driving thru would expect much more than what they see.
I don't condemn anyone that is trying to make an honest dollar. If the places in town don't complain about these stands then I guess they are alright with them.
I stopped at some taco stand in front of some store in the middle of town. I love real Mexican tacos so I thought I give it a shot. If it was clean I would order, if it was funky I would warn people to stay away. The first thing I noticed was the delicious smell of carne asada. I get to the window and the stainless steel is just gleaming. The place was immaculate. And posted on the wall was a 90 something from the health inspector. I'll definitely eat there again. There are little stands in every city not sure how that is tacky.
Looking just at the BBQ concession stand, I think this is rather unfair to the guys at The Bar-b-que Pit, the brick-and-mortal BBQ restaurant on the other side of 109. The concession stand will take away part of The Bar-B-Que Pit's business; yet The Bar-B-Que Pit has to pay property taxes and more.
Also, what about parking? It is my understanding that businesses must meet certain parking standards with the Planning Commission. Won't using half your parking lot to park a concession stand (and set up picnic tables!) cause you to be in violation?
Finally, I agree with the previous posters, these stands are tacky, especially on a residential street like South Russell.
Back a few months ago I called the city and asked how something of this nature was allowed as there was one that set up in a residential area but is parked in a church parking lot. (probably the one referenced in the post on s. russell). The answer I got was, as long as they are parked on a commercial piece of property and they have permission to park there and they are self contained they can set up. I always thought they too were inspected by the health dept like other eateries, but this I am not sure of. I've never eaten at one of them. And yes they are extremely tacky looking and doesn't say much for our town.
Not only does this topic deserve discussion, it deserves some action by the City Council as far as I'm concerned. Portland should have codes to prevent these types of "businesses" from being a part of the local landscape. Not only are they unsightly, they lend more tackiness to our town. When is Portland ever going to adopt some standards so that we can be that Proud, Progressive, Portland that is on the signs ?
These are the types of businesses that one sees at carnivals and are temporary in nature -- I really can't believe these concessions stands are going to be permanant businesses.
Whoever decides on things around Portland needs to try to bring a higher standard to how businesses are allowed to operate. Portland needs a better image of itself.