Vendor parking ordinance debated

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There is still no answer yet about Springfield's new street vendors ordinance.

Harsh words were spoken Wednesday night at Springfield City Hall as City Solicitor Edward Pikula outlined some of the proposals to update the vendor parking ordinance.

John Verducci has been selling hot dogs in Sterns Square for over 15 years and wants to be grandfathered back in to his traditional parking space in Stearns Square.

Verducci interrupted the meeting several times to express his dismay at some of the options presented.

Pikula says the ordinance has to be fair. "Today Mr. Verducci has supplied some documents that he has in his research and so we're going to incorporate his materials so that the city council can have a full panoply of options," he said.

The same committee will meet again to further discuss the changes in 30 days.

A Facebook group called "I support the hot dog guy" was created to express residents outrage over what they say is a lawful vendor being unlawfully forced to move. The group currently has over 3,500 members.