CITY TO SWEEP ILLEGAL FOOD VENDORS

food trucks, the latest street-food alternative to the classic hot dog cart, have been springing up throughout the upper west side. but council member gale brewer said she has received complaints and questions from constituents who are concerned that the trucks are parked illegally in front of homes and maybe be lacking proper permits.

"the trucks are noisy. they have generators. and there's cooking going on in residential areas," brewer said.

in response to a letter penned by the council member, the city's department of health and mental hygiene said it will request a sweep of the upper west side to bust vendors who are operating in prohibited areas or without a license.

the health commissioner asked that anyone who spots a potentially illegal food vendor call 311 and make a report that will be sent directly to the department.