The City of Northville and DDA release statement in response to the filing of an emergency motion by Let's Open Northville
The City of Northville and DDA release statement in response to the filing of an emergency motion by Let's Open Northville to shut down the longstanding on-street dining in Downtown Northville.
The City of Northville has fully complied with the court’s order in the Let’s Open Northville v. City of Northville lawsuit regarding the reopening of downtown streets to vehicular traffic. In accordance with the ruling, the streets were reopened ahead of schedule on Monday, July 14, 2025 with safety measures in place for outdoor dining. The City continues to review legal options regarding an appeal.
The City and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are disappointed with the emergency motion filed last Friday, July 18, by Let’s Open Northville, seeking to eliminate permitted outdoor dining in on-street parking spaces, which has been part of downtown Northville’s streetscape for more than a decade. Outdoor dining has long supported small businesses, enhancing the vibrancy of the downtown, and contributing to Northville’s reputation as a welcoming and walkable community. The outdoor dining complies with all required processes and approvals.
The City and DDA will continue to advocate for its business community and for maintaining a thriving, accessible downtown district.
To view the Let's Open Northville Motion, click here.
FAQ
- Has in-street dining been allowed before?
Yes. Downtown Northville has had a precedent for in-street dining for more than 10 years.
- Is dining in on-street parking spaces permitted?
Yes. Requests for dining in on-street parking spaces are reviewed, permitted and inspected through the City and DDA’s formal process, with approval and acknowledgement from owners of the properties adjacent to the parking spaces.
- Is outdoor dining a common practice elsewhere?
Absolutely. Outdoor dining is a long-established best practice for downtown areas throughout Michigan, the Midwest, and across the country.
- Who grants permission for on-street dining?
Property owners grant approval for tenants to use the property frontage. All current dining in on-street parking spaces have been approved and acknowledged by their respective property owners.
- How many parking spaces are offline due to on-street dining?
10 Parking spaces on Main and Center streets are occupied by on-street dining. All other parallel parking spaces on those streets are available and are being used daily. There are several hundred free public parking spaces available in parking lots behind or adjacent to the businesses on Main and Center streets.
- Was there a process before COVID for street dining?
Yes. Before COVID, street use included vehicular traffic, on-street parking, and
permitted in-street dining in the parking spaces through DDA/City applications with property owner approval. That permitting process has remained consistent.
- What is the DDA’s role in downtown Northville?
The Northville DDA supports a vibrant downtown that promotes walkability, healthy commerce, and cultural programming within a beautiful, historic setting. The DDA strives to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the greater Northville area through economic and physical revitalization of the downtown business district.
- How did the City and DDA ensure safety when reopening the downtown streets?
In conjunction with reopening the streets to vehicles, the DDA partnered with the Department of Public Works and Northville Police Department to install more than 30 temporary concrete safety barriers we had on hand to comply with the court order. Streets were reopened ahead of the deadline with proper traffic lane clearance and appropriate safety measures in place.
- How have downtown programming and events been affected by street reopening?
Events originally planned for closed streets have been relocated to other nearby locations, such as moving performances to Old Church Square. As of yet, no cultural programming has been lost.
- What would be the impact of removing permitted outdoor dining?
Forcing the removal of permitted, in-street dining mid-season would harm the businesses who have relied on the availability of this space for many years. Restaurants have made staffing and infrastructure investments based on the long-established permissions for on-street dining. Removing it could affect employment and the financial viability of these businesses.
- Can all restaurants apply for on-street dining?
Yes. All restaurants are eligible to apply for a permit for on-street dining through the City and DDA.