Walnutport Borough Council on a 5-0 vote last week adopted an ordinance naming Green Street as a public street.

Beforehand, council on the same vote denied the objections in a public hearing about opening the road. Borough solicitor Michael Corriere called three witnesses to testify on the borough’s behalf: Borough secretary Annette Lacko, Michael Wentz, public works director; and Jason Newhard, borough engineer.

That was followed by cross-examination of the witnesses by the objectors’ attorney, Frank D’Amore.

D’Amore argued that without it being a public road, the borough cannot open it because it’s never been a public street. He said he didn’t believe the borough hasn’t proven that there was a majority of 51%, in favor of Green Street becoming a public road.

Council members Harold Greene and Patrice Hunsicker were absent.

Last month, council tabled a public hearing on opening the street. Corriere said he spoke with the objectors’ lawyer, and it was decided to wait to make a determination until this month’s meeting.

Borough council was scheduled to hold a public hearing in November for those who were opposed to Green Street. However, Corriere said their lawyer raised an issue asking if Green Street was ever laid out as a plan.

Due to the uncertainty, council continued the ordinance and public hearing to gather additional information.

In November, Corriere said the borough was trying to determine how many property owners are in favor and how many are not.

Corriere said Green Street would be two-way, but a portion of the road would be one way.

The road has been a topic of discussion for several years. In 2018, council approved a petition to grant the request to open up the street.