News Summary
The city of Northville has announced plans to appeal a ruling by Wayne County Circuit Judge Charlene Elder, which requires the removal of seasonal bollards blocking Main and Center streets. The decision by the judge favors the residents’ group, Let’s Open Northville, which argued that street closures violate the city charter. Local opinions are divided over the impact of the closures, with some businesses experiencing increased traffic while others face disruptions. The city seeks further judicial review to preserve its management of public spaces.
Northville — The city of Northville announced plans to appeal a ruling by Wayne County Circuit Judge Charlene Elder that mandates the removal of seasonal bollards blocking Main and Center streets from vehicle traffic. This decision follows a successful campaign by the group Let’s Open Northville, comprised of property and business owners who argued that the street closures violated the city charter.
On July 9, Judge Elder ruled in favor of Let’s Open Northville, stating that the roads have been intended for public travel for 185 years and should only be closed for special occasions. She noted that this ruling contradicted Northville’s earlier measures during the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed for street closures to accommodate outdoor dining. In 2022, Northville’s city council voted to permanently close the streets to vehicles, followed by a 2023 vote for seasonal closures from late April to early November.
The city’s decision to appeal the ruling comes in response to community support for the street closures, evident from numerous letters, phone calls, and resident comments received during recent council meetings on July 15 and July 29. City officials believe that the trial court’s interpretation of its authority to manage public streets requires further judicial review, as it may limit the city’s ability to manage public assets in the future.
Let’s Open Northville founder Mary Elwart-Keys testified during the trial that the street closures diverted traffic, removed stop signs, and created disruptions to her property. However, numerous business owners reported an increase in customer traffic and sales as a result of the closures, highlighting a divide in local opinion on the matter.
Following Judge Elder’s ruling, Let’s Open Northville filed a motion on July 18 seeking the removal of concrete blocks utilized for outdoor dining, claiming they violate the recent court ruling. The Michigan Downtown Association has opposed this motion, underscoring the necessity for flexibility in managing public roads for community benefits.
This ongoing legal and public relations battle has drawn significant attention, as the Northville City Manager George Lahanas shared that the closures have effectively transformed downtown Northville into a popular destination for both residents and visitors alike. The controversy surrounding the street closures began during the pandemic in 2020 when temporary measures facilitated outdoor dining and pedestrian traffic with the aim of supporting local businesses.
In light of continuing divisions within the community regarding street access, Northville’s city council and Downtown Development Authority are actively exploring potential compromises, including the possibility of seasonal street closures or the installation of removable bollards to better accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian needs.
Despite the disappointment expressed by Let’s Open Northville regarding recent court decisions, they maintain an optimistic outlook for future legal proceedings. Following the recent court ruling, Main and Center streets will remain briefly closed for upcoming special events, allowing for continued community engagement amid the ongoing legal discourse.
As Northville moves forward, the future of its downtown street management remains uncertain, with the city committed to balancing the interests of local businesses, residents, and the unique character that makes the area a vibrant community destination.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Northville Faces Legal Battle Over Street Reopening
Northville City to Appeal Court Ruling on Street Closures
Northville’s Legal Battle Over Outdoor Dining Barriers
Legal Challenge Puts Northville’s Outdoor Dining at Risk
Northville’s Legal Battle Over Outdoor Dining Heats Up
Northville Faces Legal Dispute Over Downtown Street Barriers
Nonprofit Group Aims to Ban Outdoor Dining in Northville
Let’s Open Northville Aims to Eliminate Outdoor Dining
Northville to Reopen Main and Center Streets to Traffic
Northville Reopens Downtown Streets After Court Ruling
Additional Resources
- The Detroit News: Northville Plans to Challenge Ruling on Street Closures
- World Atlas: Michigan Small Towns with Unmatched Friendliness
- Hometown Life: Northville’s Downtown Streets Reopen to Cars?
- Wikipedia: Northville, Michigan
- WXYZ: Demolition Marks the End of an Era in Northville
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.
