During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised about the impact of street closures on local businesses, particularly following the announcement that a retail tenant on Main Street would not be renewing their lease. Sam from Design Azure, a long-standing business in the area, cited a significant decline in customer traffic since the streets were closed earlier this year, leading to his decision to vacate the premises.

Sam expressed frustration over the lack of support from the city, noting that despite efforts to attract customers by extending weekend hours, the foot traffic was primarily composed of visitors not interested in shopping. He highlighted the broader implications of this trend, warning that the increasing vacancies could lead to diminished commercial property values, further harming the local economy.

The meeting also revealed that some business owners are hesitant to voice their concerns regarding the street closures due to fear of backlash on social media and potential boycotts. This atmosphere of intimidation, according to Sam, has been exacerbated by the city’s rigid stance on the issue, which he believes undermines the collective interests of all businesses in Northville.

The discussion underscored the urgent need for the city to adopt a more supportive approach to local enterprises, particularly in light of the challenges posed by ongoing street closures and their effects on visibility and customer engagement.