MARION — The Planning Board approved a food truck for the parking lot of Tri-Town Barber Shop on July 6.

The truck will sit in the business’ picnic area, which already has infrastructure for a food truck.

Owner Shawn Lynch said he plans to have a food truck “a couple times a week.”

“Maybe during the lunch rush,” he said. “Nothing too big.”

Board Member Eileen Marum worried about the truck competing with the nearby Santoro’s Pizza and More.

“I’m not sure how much competition this will give to Santoro’s Pizza,” Marum said. “I would encourage [Lynch] to not to compete with Santoros.”

The owner of Santoro’s also advocated against the truck, claiming it would harm his business.

He said the costs involved with running a food truck are not comparable to Santoro’s, where the owner has to pay a mortgage to house the business.

The board, however, agreed that regulating business competition was outside the scope of its duties.

“The volume of what they’re serving is significantly different, too,” board member Norm Hills said.

Board member Jon Henry agreed, and noted that Santoro’s operates longer hours than the food truck would.

Lynch added that he’s “definitely not here to step on anyone’s toes,” and that he’s empathetic to concerns as a business owner himself.

Board member Alanna Nelson noted that she likes the idea for a food truck, but worried about the waste that comes alongside “single use fast food,” like plastic plates and straws. She suggested using paper alternatives, and Lynch said he’d take it into consideration.

The board voted unanimously to approve the truck.