WARREN — City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to reopen Dana Street, ending an eight-year closure that has sparked debate among council members who say residents and local business owners want the street opened.

The 9-0 verbal vote, led by Councilwoman Tiffany Stanford, D-5th Ward, is believed to be effective immediately, though city officials will assess the road’s condition to ensure safe reopening. The closure was requested by Christopher Alan, owner of AutoParkit, who cited vandalism and concerns if the road was reopened.

During discussion, Councilman Todd Johnson, I-1st Ward, sought clarification from City Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa on whether permanent legislation from the ward’s councilman, Andrew Herman, D-2nd Ward, was required to reopen the street, citing the original ordinance that authorized the temporary closure.

“It does not indicate any need for permanent legislation to be undone,” Johnson said, also stating that the ordinance only requires a council vote every 90 days to extend the closure.

Cantalamessa confirmed Johnson’s interpretation, stating, “If the vote of Council is to deny the continued temporary closure, it reverts to its original position, which is that of an open thoroughfare.”

This clarification put to rest earlier beliefs from a Warren City Traffic Commission meeting that the ward councilman or the traffic commission needed to initiate permanent legislation.

Stanford, who chairs the traffic and safety committee, pushed for the vote, citing the community input and the lack of sufficient justification for continued closure.

“We have considered (the property owner’s) position. We support him, but he cannot be the only voice,” Stanford said, referencing manifest logs showing significant semi-truck traffic from other local businesses, like Bloom Industries, that operate without street closures.

Ron White, D-7th Ward, noted that the owner of Bloom Industries had not stated being in favor of reopening Dana Street.

White questioned what comes next if Alan decides to leave the city as he previously stated was his intention if the street was reopened. White said council runs the risk of dealing with another St. Joseph Riverside Hospital situation if the buildings Alan occupies don’t see any industry move in to replace AutoParkit.

Herman supported the reopening, stating, “I don’t see the benefit of setting a precedent where we close down a road because somebody wants it closed down.” He acknowledged the property owner’s efforts but noted, “He has not shown us the due diligence to prove (the closure) is needed.”

The vote comes amid plans for the Golden Triangle project, a comprehensive economic development initiative expected to involve roadwork in the area.

City Engineer Paul Makosky noted that construction, set to begin in late winter or early spring, may require temporary closures.

Mayor Doug Franklin talked about the broader economic context and urged council to focus on the comprehensive development plan rather than any single business owner’s interests.

Stanford’s motion to reopen Dana Street passed with no opposition.

Public comments at the council meeting allowed residents to voice their concerns about increased traffic in nearby neighborhoods, safety risks for children, and the lack of progress on promised economic development projects tied to the closure.

Warren resident Diane Manofsky urged council members to consider the potential impact on residents in the area.

“If Dana street remains closed, the increased traffic will persist, thus continuing to pose a risk to children who live and play in the area,” she said, also mentioning that vandalism concerns cited by the property owner could be addressed through security measures rather than a street closure.

She specifically mentioned how a series of vandalism incidents impacted businesses along Parkman Road, asking council if they would consider closing roads to accommodate those businesses.

Manofsky also pointed out that major corporations once operated on Dana Street without requiring its closure, questioning why current businesses could not do the same.

Ken Beechler, another resident, criticized the closure’s justification and said, “It’s about time council votes to get this street opened up.”

However, not all residents supported reopening the street.

Resident Paul Yannucci expressed concerns about potential speeding on Dana Street, describing the area as a “ghost town” with little to no activity. He suggested delaying the reopening until planned construction projects, such as the Golden Triangle development, are clarified.