20-05-2025
Residents unsure what downtown will look like with NATO restrictions
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — With the NATO Parliamentary Assembly just days away, people who live downtown near the NATO Village can expect to see some changes over the next 24 hours.
International delegates are on their way to the Gem City, and local law enforcement says that means some Dayton residents will have limited access to major streets that will be closed off.
Downtown road closures, security measures announced for NATO 2025
The assembly starts on May 22, and city workers and law enforcement are already beginning to set up blockades and detours around the security zone known as the NATO Village. Some barricades will allow for local residents to pass through the security zone without needing clearance, but many in downtown aren't sure what this week will look like.
'I think people don't really know what to expect, until tomorrow,' said Nik Saxon, downtown resident.
Dayton residents who live in the NATO Village area say they are still waiting on more information about how they are supposed to access their personal vehicles and sidewalks during the summit.
In a news conference last week, city leaders addressed the public concern for road closures and other blockades. Police say they are doing their best to minimize the impact on people who live in and around the security zone for the event.
Saxon says police officers have come to his residents and explained some of what is to come for residents who live in that area.
'People coming downtown will not be allowed within the NATO Village. We've been made to feel there's going to be pedestrian chutes, so there will be some limited pedestrian walkways,' said Saxon.
According to city officials, dignitaries from around the world are scheduled to begin arriving on Tuesday and Wednesday, which means several roads located in the heart of Dayton will soon be inaccessible to those who are not pre-approved.
Saxon says from what he's been told, he will not be able to park on the street in front of his home — he will have to park in the Oregon District, adding that it is still not clear how residents will be able to access their cars.
According to city leaders, all road operations will be back to normal by Tuesday, May 27. Police say that people should follow their social media accounts for real-time updates during this week's activities downtown.
Click here for more coverage of the 2025 NATO Spring Session.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
