Findlay City Council considers alley vacation request from American Legion Post 3

The Findlay City Planning Commission meeting on June 12, 2025, focused on a proposal to vacate an alleyway between 118 and 124 West Front Street, which is currently used for access to parking lots behind the American Legion and the Torpedo Building. The Ralph D. Cole American Legion Post No. 3 submitted the application to create an outdoor space for events, which would include outdoor seating and a decorative gate.

City staff recommended approval of the alley vacation, noting that there are no city utilities in the alley and that the East-West Alley would still provide access to the parking lots. The proposal aims to enhance the area by reducing congestion and improving accessibility for patrons of the American Legion.

During the meeting, concerns were raised by Jennifer Griffin, representing Fort Findlay Properties, regarding the impact of the alley closure on traffic flow and parking. She emphasized the importance of maintaining access for delivery trucks and the potential for increased congestion if the alley were permanently closed. Griffin suggested that a shared access agreement among property owners would be beneficial to ensure continued access to parking lots.

The commission discussed the possibility of a partial vacation of the alley but concluded that a full vacation would be more effective for the proposed outdoor space. Ultimately, the commission voted to recommend approval of the application to the city council, which will conduct further discussions and readings before making a final decision.

The outcome of this proposal could significantly alter the use of the space behind the American Legion and impact traffic patterns in the area, highlighting the need for careful consideration of community access and parking needs.