Food Trucks Can Line Parking Lots to Create Urban Vitality

Last week, Rollins College Master of Planning students discovered Portland, Oregon's creative way to transform downtown parking lots--common dead zones in most cities--into places of urban vitality.  Food trucks line parking lot edges, creating instant street walls for sense of place and drawing people.   Food trucks compete with, and can hurt nearby lower-priced brick and mortar restaurants, so local governments should consider carefully where to allow or encourage such a set-up.

Food trucks lining--and hiding-- parking lot in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Same area--different angle.