The City of Northville and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) release statement regarding on-street dining
The City of Northville and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are disappointed with today’s court ruling in favor of the emergency motion filed by Let’s Open Northville, which requires the removal of permitted on-street dining in Downtown Northville.
While the City believed it had fully complied with the court’s earlier order to reopen Main and Center Streets to vehicular traffic, this latest decision impacts long standing outdoor dining that has been permitted, inspected, and approved for more than a decade. On-street dining has supported small businesses, helped activate public space, and contributed to a vibrant, walkable downtown that residents and visitors deeply value.
This mid-season removal disrupts operations for our downtown restaurants, many of which have invested in staffing, supplies, and infrastructure based on established policies and permits.
While we respectfully disagree with the court’s decision, the City will comply fully with the ruling and will remove on-street dining by October 4, 2025. The City will have to temporality shut down the streets to remove the concrete barriers that are in place as safety precautions for on street dining. The City and DDA will work closely with impacted businesses to help navigate this transition in a timely manner.
We remain committed to advocating for our business community and will continue to explore every avenue to maintain a thriving downtown district that reflects the values and needs of the Northville community.