As the individuals elected to make decisions on behalf of the nearly 12,000 citizens of Ironton, members of the Ironton City Council essentially need to develop an internal set of figurative scales.

Every decision made will essentially come down to weighing the positives and negative for all the citizens against the needs of a few individuals.

That is exactly what the council will face on an ordinance that would vacate a portion of Washington Street from 10th Street to Jersey Alley. At least one homeowner is concerned by this plan and has spoken vocally about it there recently.

All citizens are entitled to their opinions and should have an opportunity to let their voices be heard, in this case and others.

Ultimately, when it comes to eliminating part of a street that is neither well-traveled nor crucial for emergency services, this looks like a very clear solution.

Developers are pushing hard to build a hotel and other commercial or retail offerings in this area that is just off of U.S. 52 and State Route 93. This project is crucial to the city’s development because of the income tax revenue, the jobs and the commercial opportunities it would create.

All citizens deserve to know that their fears and concerns are taken seriously and carefully considered.

It then falls on the men and women elected to lead the city as its council to make the right decision for all Ironton residents.