A judge has ruled that a popular street in the City of Kemah must reopen after finding that the city violated state law.
On Friday, Judge Jared Robinson issued a new injunction saying Kemah's 6th Street will reopen because businesses on the street had suffered “irreparable” injury, loss and damage from the city's decision of closing it. Robinson also wrote that plaintiffs have a right to seek relief and that the city closed the street without legal authority.
6th Street has been closed since July 29. City officials had metal bollards and signage installed that blocked access to all vehicles except emergency vehicles. Several business owners on the street and in the area testified in court last week that they were losing out on business and revenues were down significantly because of the street closure. Judge Robinson had issued a temporary order to open the street about a month ago, but it was closed again on October 9 and has been closed since.
Many residents have expressed their displeasure with the street being closed and some others also accused the city of engaging in intimidation tactics as police vehicles had been stationed at both ends of the street.