Controversy brewing over hot dog stand

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There's a controversy brewing in downtown Springfield and it all started over hotdogs.

John Verducci III is a Springfield landmark. He's been selling hot dogs in Sterns Square for over 15 years.

But everyone’s favorite hot dog guy will not be in his usual spot this weekend. That’s because the city has decided to enforce an old parking law from the 1930's.

On June 16, Springfield's Parking Director Hal King sent Verducci a letter stating that peddlers, hawkers and other businesses are no longer allowed to use public streets to sell beginning July 20.

Verducci believes the change doesn’t have to do with public safety or garbage. He thinks it’s because the owner of the nearby new Italian restaurant Izzo’s is cousins with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

“I don’t think he [Mayor Sarno] really has a legitimate complaint because the owner of Theodore’s, Skyplex, Salty Dog, Fat Cat, all these other places have never complained,” Verducci said.

But Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney said there is a public safety element to consider where the hot dog cart is concerned.

“The police issue on it is that at 2 o’clock when the bars are letting out, everybody congregates there and the police officers are very hard pressed to clear out of there,” Sgt. Delaney said.

People who live in the Entertainment District have mixed opinions about Verducci's truck.

“How would you like to have a hotdog vendor parked in front of your house with all the garbage on the street and you had to smell the stench?” Robert McNealis said.

“John is an asset to this community. He's putting food in the bellies of people who are coming out of bars,” James Anziano said.

Verducci used to rent out a parking meter for $10 a night. The new rule will force him across the street to a private parking lot for about $40 a night. A move he says will cut into his bottom line.

Mayor Sarno could not be reached for comment.