NORTHVILLE (WWJ) -- A judge has ordered the streets in downtown Northville to reopen to traffic.
For several years, parts of Center and Main Streets in Northville have been closed to cars during the warm weather months as restaurants and other businesses took over the streets with extra seating and a walkable social area.
But after complaints and a lawsuit from the group "Let's Open Northville," the city has now been ordered by a judge to take down the partition and reopen that area to auto traffic.
Some business owners say blocking access for cars has hurt their bottom line.
But some residents have said they appreciated the safe and walkable downtown shopping district.
The city had installed retractable posts which will now need to be taken down except during special events.
Speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950 on Friday, Kate Knight, Executive Director of the DDA, said there have been mixed feelings from business owners.
"We have businesses that are for it and against it. It depends on your business model, your thoughts about street closures," she said. "We'll comply with the ruling, and our goal here at the DDA is to make it as seamless a transition for both our restauranteurs and the thousands of people who come into down every week.
The city was given until Tuesday night to remove the barriers, and she said they're hustling to make that happen.
Afterword, Knight said there will still be outdoor dining, and plenty of walkability through the city.
"I think that's the overall message, is that it's a destination downtown. And you know, the social district is still intact, (with a) open beverage strolling experience. You can still get a glass of wine from your favorite participating merchant and go down to see live music in the park."