Red Hook Park food cart vendors and parks officials met Wednesday as the Parks Department began accepting proposals for vendor space.

Food cart operators who have been at the site for years must now submit proposals and meet new requirements. The Health Department wants vendors to work out of mobile vending units with running water ? which could cost each vendor up to $30,000 ? rather than operating out of "food shacks."

"We're really concerned that the requirement for a mobile food vending unit is actually going to compromise the look, the character of the affair," said vendor Cesar Fuentes.

The Parks Department would not say whether it's expecting proposals from other groups or when it will make its final decision.

Vendors have until Feb. 22 to submit their proposals.