News Summary
A Wayne County judge has directed the City of Northville to reopen downtown streets to vehicle traffic following a lawsuit from local residents and business owners. The ruling highlights safety and accessibility concerns stemming from street closures initially set during the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Charlene Elder emphasized the lack of public benefit from ongoing road restrictions, requiring the city to act within a week. The decision brings a potential shift in the balance between outdoor dining experiences and community accessibility in Northville.
Northville – A Wayne County judge has mandated that the City of Northville reopen downtown streets to vehicle traffic following a lawsuit from local residents and business owners. This ruling, issued on July 9, 2025, by Third Circuit Court Judge Charlene Elder, requires the city to take action within seven days to restore access to Main and Center streets, which have been closed to traffic since 2020.
The decision stems from a lawsuit filed in 2023 by the nonprofit group Let’s Open Northville, which challenged the city’s seasonal street closures that were originally implemented as a temporary measure to support outdoor dining during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city formalized these closures in 2023 by placing retractable bollards to block access to the streets.
In her ruling, Judge Elder emphasized that the court could find no valid public purpose for the six-month recurring road closures. She noted that the pilot program appeared to primarily benefit a limited number of businesses rather than the community at large. Witnesses corroborated claims of traffic disruptions, safety concerns, and significant losses in business revenue resulting from the restrictions. For example, one business owner reported a decline in daily sales from $6,000 to $1,500 due to decreased foot traffic.
Furthermore, the ruling highlighted that the city did not adhere to legal protocols under the Michigan Land Division Act when altering the original plat designated for public travel, established in 1840. The court found that the ongoing street closures not only infringed on property rights but also affected adjacent neighborhoods and businesses, creating an environment of frustration and discontent among residents.
Some downtown businesses had previously expressed their approval of the closures, arguing that they fostered a greater outdoor dining experience and increased revenue during the pandemic. Nevertheless, many residents who initially supported the street closures during the COVID-19 crisis later felt that extending them into a permanent arrangement went against what was initially the agreement.
Mary Elwart-Keys, founder of Let’s Open Northville, voiced concerns about increased traffic on residential streets, which has led to safety risks for pedestrians and property damage. Former police officer Kevin Hebert provided further evidence, highlighting a dramatic rise in traffic accidents near the closed areas, with some incidents increasing by over seven times.
In reaction to the ruling, Northville City Manager George Lahanas expressed disappointment but confirmed the city will comply with the court’s order. The city is currently analyzing its summer event calendar to make necessary adjustments following the recent ruling. While the judge’s decision calls for the reopening of streets, it also stipulates that closures may still occur for festivals, parades, and other special events, providing some potential for controlled gatherings in the future.
Community opinions on the street closures have been largely divided. Some individuals advocate for maintaining the social district created by the roadblockades, arguing it enhances the atmosphere of the downtown area. However, the majority of testimony presented during the court proceedings indicated widespread grievances regarding accessibility and safety.
As of now, the city has not made any announcements on whether it plans to appeal the judge’s ruling. The outcome of this legal matter signifies a critical juncture for Northville, as city officials and residents navigate the balance between community enjoyment and essential business operations in a post-pandemic landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Hometown Life
- Wikipedia: Northville, Michigan
- WXYZ
- Google Search: Northville court orders reopen streets
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Northville
- Click On Detroit
- Google News: Northville streets reopened
- Fox 2 Detroit
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
