HADLEY — Maple Valley Creamery will be able to have live performers throughout the season at the Scoops at the Silos ice cream stand, but uncertainty remains about whether a food truck will be allowed to return on a regular basis to the 100 Mill Valley Road site.

The Select Board recently granted an entertainment license for the farm, so it can host events from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the warm weather months. That approval followed a positive recommendation from the Planning Board, which completed an application review, examining the parking situation at the site and determining there was enough space for 60 vehicles.

The farm, though, may have to wait until after annual Town Meeting next month to bring back El Durango Taco Truck. Voters are expected to consider a revised bylaw governing the operation of food trucks.

That possible delay comes even though Bruce Jenks, the farmer who oversees the Maple Valley business, said the food truck was on site last year, and was inspected by health officials and the Fire Department, and offered food to supplement the ice cream. There were no complaints and only praise for the authentic Mexican cuisine, Jenks said.

“This is the first year the town has decided to address the trucks,” Jenks said. “We have been a good farm and business for the town and the surrounding communities.”

In addition, he points to the similar operation of the Creamy Delights ice cream stand on Lawrence Plain Road. That business has operated from a parked mobile vehicle for about 20 years.

Currently, food trucks are given licenses for special public events, such as the annual Asparagus Festival, and for private functions, typically for single days or weekends.

The additional review his entertainment license was subjected to was triggered due to not being in a commercial zone. That meant supplementing the usual building, fire and police inspection with a Planning Board review, said Jennifer Sanders James, the town’s licensing coordinator.

“That’s where it has to have a Select Board decision on the zone,” Sanders James said.

Another concern was that the farmland is in the state’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction program, and state officials might object to having the business activity on the protected land.

John McLaughlin, an attorney with Green Miles Lipton representing Jenks, said written approval was given by the commissioner of the APR program.

“It’s good for the farm. It’s good for the community,” McLaughlin said.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.]]>