I am a small business owner. When I heard that I could get a vending spot on the amazing scene-laden downtown mall for under a thousand dollars a year, I was floored. I met with Neighborhood Development Services, specifically Craig Fabio, and I was duly impressed with the exchange. I start in October, at the beginning of the 4th quarter.
I was able to easily set up a meeting. I had a conversation about my business and what I'd be selling. All of my options and responsibilities were clearly laid out in paper and in voice. When I left, I had a start date, a vending license, and a home-occupation declaration, making me legitimate in my new home. Customer service is at the forefront of every desk I visited, each with a smile, an answer, and a story.
I also talked with Craig about the politic of the vending on the mall, how it is under fire from a few high-rentpayers in brick and mortars, but was thrilled to hear that Charlottesville supports the rights of the less privileged and super-small business owners in town, and that vending is recognized as one of the cultural and common rights in town. This, in small part is what I love about Charlottesville. read more