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GREENFIELD - It was City Hall versus the citizens in a battle that has gone on for weeks. But Thursday night it was it was over in minutes with the citizens declaring victory.

The fight was over saving businesses.

Tim Boyea is among a handful of small family owned business along Loomis Road that feared the city was going to use the powerful government tool of eminent domain to take their properties.

"It's irresponsible for a government to do this," said Boyea. "I think it's a land grab!"

The city wants to clear a stretch of road for a future development project called Greenfield Crossing but businesses who have invested there are saying, "What about us?"

"It's unreal that blight and condemnation can force you out after 14 years," said Michelle McCalligan. Her father owns Maynard's, a popular auto repair shop.

McCalligan and others jammed Greenfield's City Hall Thursday night for the second time in a week.

This time they didn't a chance to talk, but it didn't matter; the council had gotten the message.

"I believe this is not right because it's not what you want," said Greenfield Alderperson Pam Akers.

And when the votes were counted – the citizens had won.

David Kurian owns Ray's OK Service. He didn't think City Hall could be beaten. "No, I didn't. I thought our only chance was having people up rise and apparently it worked!"

The long range development project planned for Loomis Road now appears to be on hold.