OBSERVER file photo A file photo shows work being done at the Wells plant location in Dunkirk as part of the $450 million project.

The Dunkirk Planning Board gave preliminary approval last week to the revised Wells Enterprises site plan that demands the closure of Main Street.

The board also agreed to write a letter of recommendation to the Dunkirk Common Council that the portion of Main Street near Wells’ plant get closed. The section runs from Marsden to Newton streets.

It’s all part of the machinations taking place because Wells changed course with its multimillion-dollar expansion project, and decided that it wants a temporary closure of Main Street to become permanent.

The Common Council referred the matter to the Planning Board, basically with the intent that it will turn around and positively refer it back. Only the council can make the final closure of a city street.

Vince DeJoy, city planning and development director, said the city will retain an easement on water and sewer lines under the section of Main Street set to close.

Fire Chief Nicholas Barter said the city will retain access to hydrants at the corners of Marsden and Main, and Newton and Main streets.

Planning Board member Ed Schober asked Wells representative Michael Metzger, the expansion project’s engineer, what changed to make Wells demand a permanent closure of Main Street.

“From an operational standpoint, it made more sense for Wells to have control of the area,” Metzger said. Wells has concerns about truck traffic versus passenger cars in the area and wants to make it safer for its employees to get from the parking lot to the plant.

The Planning Board questioned Metzger about fencing, lighting and screening of an expanded parking lot. The preliminary site plan approval was made contingent on receipt of plans for the fencing, lighting and screening.

It’s also contingent on a variance from the city zoning board, necessary because the area is zoned residential.

A separate Common Council resolution authorized the opening of nearby Park Avenue between Marsden and Newton streets, in an attempt to soothe any traffic flow problems caused by the Main Street closure.