City of Northville Responds to Recent Legal Correspondence Regarding Downtown Street Use
The City of Northville recently received correspondence from Let’s Open Northville alleging that the City is in violation of a court order related to the closure of Main and Center streets. The letter contests the City’s approval of weekend Main Street closures for downtown event programming, as well as planned temporary closures associated with an upcoming construction project, “Maintaining Main,” constitute violations of the Court’s injunction requiring the streets to remain open to vehicular traffic except under limited circumstances.
The City strongly disagrees with these claims and believes its actions remain fully within the parameters of the Court’s order and are consistent with the long-standing municipal authority to approve street closures for construction activities and permitted special events. The City will be bringing this matter to the attention of the court to obtain appropriate relief.
The Court’s ruling explicitly recognizes that the City may close the streets to vehicle traffic for festivals, parades, and special events, as the City has implemented for decades. The weekend programming approved by the Northville City Council on February 2, 2026, was authorized through the City’s established special event application process and supports community engagement, local businesses, and downtown vitality consistent with past practices.
Similarly, temporary street closures associated with planned downtown construction are necessary to safely and efficiently complete critical infrastructure improvements. Such closures are routine for municipalities undertaking capital improvement projects and are essential to maintaining and investing in public spaces for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The letter also references tables and chairs placed within the street during portions of 2025. The Downtown Development Authority arranged for these seating areas at times when the streets were already closed through approved activities to support local businesses. The City did not place tables or seating in any active travel lanes or remove on-street parking when the streets were open to vehicular traffic consistent with the Court’s October 3, 2025, Order regarding this issue.
The City remains committed to complying with all court orders while continuing to responsibly manage public streets, support economic activity, and invest in Downtown Northville’s long-term success. City officials and legal counsel will continue to respond through the appropriate legal channels as needed.
The City of Northville remains focused on serving the community and moving forward collaboratively in a way that balances access, safety, and the continued vibrancy of a thriving downtown for all of our residents and businesses.
You can view the letter the City of Northville received here.