Food trucks can be allies in restoring sense of ‘buzz’ downtown (The Republican Editorials)

The following editorial is from the opinion page of The Republican newspaper in Springfield. It reflects views of the newspaper’s leadership and not necessarily those of MassLive. Readers are invited to share their opinions by emailing to letters@repub.com .

Cities and towns in western Massachusetts thinking of allowing food trucks to operate in their downtowns risk alienating restaurant owners. Still, those communities should explore the possibility. The vibrancy of local downtowns can be at stake.

Northampton and Belchertown are considering inviting food trucks into their centers. But both are receiving resistance from restaurant owners, who cite the unfairness of allowing truck operators to roll in and roll out of parking lots.

Jeremiah Micka, who owns Union Station in Northamp