KEMAH, Texas (KTRK) — A street in Kemah’s Lighthouse District is open again after the city closed it to motorists later in the summer.

This is all due to lawsuits filed by area business owners who say the shutdown has hurt them financially.

A Galveston County judge granted what is known as a temporary injunction ordering the city to reopen Sixth Street because state law had not been followed.

“Pure relief. It was an incredible thing,” Bakkhus Taverna general manager Lance Cumpian said.

“It’s a huge win for our team. Of course I was very excited,” said Jordan Paultz, Voodoo Hut’s general manager of operations.

There is excitement because the street is full of parked cars, which means more customers for restaurant and bar managers.

SEE ALSO: Kemah businesses file lawsuit claiming 6th Street closure led to financial losses

“It’s a huge relief off my shoulders. I know my owner is happy about it, too,” Cumpian said.

About a month ago, the 6th Street lighthouse area was closed to motorists. Terminals were installed and Cumpian says business slowed down.

“We lost about 50 percent of our overall sales, even on a Tuesday. I lost maybe $700. For us to operate, that’s two, three times as much,” Cumpian said.

The closure was part of a plan to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. After seeing the financial losses, several businesses filed a lawsuit against the city, and now a temporary injunction has been granted to reopen the street.

“During the day, the bartenders and servers depend on this local crowd, and letting them park here at lunchtime is critical to our success,” Paultz said.

In the temporary injunction, the court ruled that Kemah closed 6th Street between Bradford Avenue and Kipp Avenue without a petition “signed by all owners of real property abutting the street or driveway.”

“Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer irreparable injury, loss and damage” if the street does not reopen.

Even though things have returned to normal for the moment, these leaders hope that this legal battle between them and the city can come to an end.

“We are open to working with the city, and I think Kemah is a beautiful place to experience Southern hospitality, and by working with local residents and the city we can create something beautiful together,” said Paultz.

The attorney representing the companies says the city has filed an appeal. ABC13 reached out to the city for confirmation and did not receive a response.

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