Ryan's Party Store owner brings 474-signature petition as neighbors say MDOT closure created safety and economic problems

Brian Zetuna, owner of Ryan's Party Store, told council he has collected 474 petition signatures and asked the city to work with MDOT to reinstate Lyon (Line) Street. "We're asking you to help us out and bring MDOT to the table to reinstate Lyon Street," Zetuna said, adding he believes business is down more than 40%.

Michelle Denny, a manager at Ryan's, described a blind corner and near-miss incidents in the store parking lot since the closure. "I've almost been hit 3 times... People fly through down there... People go from 0 to 50, like, literally around the corner," Denny said.

Mark Gardner, a nearby resident, said he now must use a roundabout route to get to work and worried children could be struck while crossing improvised paths through the parking area.

City Manager James Fried said the state (MDOT) earlier approached owners about vacating Lyon Street and that the procedural rules for street vacations have changed: the register of deeds now requires broader service and courts are often involved. "The most recent one... you have to serve like 300 parcels... Essentially it's a lawsuit," Fried said, adding the change is recent and not every county requires it.

Mayor and staff said they will work with MDOT and the register of deeds to clarify options but cautioned that it is "highly unlikely" MDOT will redesign a completed project. No formal action to reopen the street was taken at this meeting.

Clarifying details from the meeting: Zetuna presented a petition with 474 signatures; the city described the updated street-vacation process that may require circuit-court filings and service to hundreds of parcels; staff requested further discussion with the register of deeds and MDOT.