21-05-2025
Residents, workers grappling with downtown NATO closures
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — As security begins to take over downtown ahead of the NATO Assembly, many residents are left wondering what exactly is going on.
As police and city workers begin setting up the NATO Village, residents and workers are scrambling to adapt and find detours. Many say they are shocked to see barricades up near their homes and businesses, leaving many bewildered.
Downtown road closures, security measures announced for NATO 2025
'What's going on? What are they doing here?' asked one Dayton resident.
These questions were echoed by many others as they watched the Dayton Police Department and several other agencies completely lock down nearly ten blocks of Dayton's downtown area.
'I just think it's a bunch of hogwash, man, unfortunate,' said a downtown resident. 'You know, people that don't have cars can't avoid this nonsense, you know, it just impacts our daily life.'
While sidewalks are open for now, starting Wednesday, anyone who doesn't have proper credentials will be barred from the NATO Village — a secure area where the parliamentary assembly will be held.
'If you plan on coming downtown, just make sure you know everything is cut off,' said Angel Sims, who works downtown. 'Just prepare yourself, it's going to be way more secure, more police officers will be out. It's not going to be the normal everyday, where you can come downtown and go whichever way you want.'
For drivers, Dayton PD says that Apple and Google Maps will update to reflect the road closures. Bus riders will be able to view updated routes on the RTA website.
LIST: What is closing in Dayton during the NATO Assembly?
For people looking to get to work or simply walk through the heart of downtown, they're out of luck until next Tuesday.
'You can't do nothing around here, you can't even get from point A to point B,' said Neeko Lundy, who often travels through downtown.
Police say pedestrian access tunnels and throughways will be available for residents and workers to get to their buildings.
But residents and workers say the inconvenience is still apparent.
'The more fences and more security they put up, it's just harder to maintain and work downtown,' said Sims.
The NATO conference lasts until Memorial Day on Monday, and Dayton PD say they should have the downtown area cleaned up and reopened by that Wednesday.
Click here to learn more about the road closures and what to expect.
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