City leaders are considering an ordinance that would change how street vendors do business a move that if approved could harm some of the city s most vulnerable residents.
The proposal, which comes amid complaints about vendors selling newspapers in Franklin s downtown district, would ban street vendors from selling within 50 feet of certain restaurants.
Assistant City Administrator Vernon Gerth said during a Board of Mayor and Aldermen work session meeting on April 27 that some residents were concerned about people selling newspapers on sidewalks near outdoor cafes. Alderman Dana McLendon also asked Gerth to look into the possibility of creating an ordinance, but said that he didn t want to unreasonably restrict the activity.