Ind. city shelves street vendor proposal

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) - Columbus Mayor Kristen Brown has shelved a proposal to allow street vendors amid strong opposition from businesses in the south-central Indiana city.

Brown had suggested the street vendor idea after vendors approached her about their desire to sell food and other goods from carts and trucks in Columbus' downtown area. She had initially said that allowing vendors would help make downtown Columbus a more vibrant and welcoming city center.

But The Republic reports that Brown said Friday she's put the idea on indefinite hold due to strong opposition by downtown merchants and restaurant owners worried about the competition street vendors would bring.

Merchants worried that street vendors would hurt their bottom lines because vendors' lower overhead costs would allow them to undercut downtown restaurant prices.