The Atlanta City Council is turning over its street vending program to one of the nation's best-known shopping mall operators.

Council members voted Tuesday to hire Chicago-based General Growth Properties Inc. to run a program that some business leaders have complained has gotten out of control.

City officials are looking to the company to bring a uniform look to what is now a hodgepodge of vending stands, and to impose quality standards on the merchandise vendors sell.

"Other great cities have proven that well-managed sidewalk vending programs, with attention to product mix and display for the customer, can actually enhance the sidewalk experience," A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, said in a prepared statement. "We believe it is Atlanta's time to move forward, and the vote Tuesday by city council exhibited that leadership and vision."

Council members have been working for months on an overhaul of the current vending program. A major concern that held up action on the plan was how to treat the disabled veterans who run vending stands.

In the end, the council agreed to let disabled veterans already in the program rent stands for 60 months at a discounted rate. Disabled vets who apply for permits after the new program takes effect would get a discount for 36 months.

City Council President Lisa Borders said the new program will work in the best interests of the city and the vendors.

"Atlanta is poised to see a program in place that offers more opportunities for local vendors and one that enhances the city's sidewalk shopping experience," she said.

The new program, also adopted by council members Tuesday, will abolish the current system of police permits to street vendors and give permitting authority to a new review board.

Board members, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council, will set uniform design standards for vending stands, determine locations for stands and make recommendations on merchandise.