Fostoria Women's Club asks council to close alley near clubhouse; city requests written petition

Patty Gregg, president of the Fostoria Women's Club, told council an alley that runs from South Street to Jackson Street beside the club has become a safety hazard because drivers "come flying through there" and often fail to stop at the end of the alley. She said club members, including women who use walkers, have narrowly avoided being hit, and she asked the city to close the alley "just past our driveway where we turn into our lots." Gregg noted the club is celebrating 100 years this month and said the alley conditions have worsened in the past two to three years.

A council member told Gregg the city needs a formal written request to begin the closure process and asked her to submit a letter to the clerk so the item can be taken to the Law and Ordinance Committee. "We need that formal request so that we can take it to law and order, and then we can get that alley closed for you," the council member said. Gregg said she would mail the requested letter and work with the administration to coordinate the closure location so the club retains access to its driveway.

No ordinance or formal closure action occurred during the meeting; council directed staff to accept the written petition and pursue the formal process to consider an alley closure at a future committee meeting.