A proposed vacation and sale of a roughly 148½-by-66-foot section of South A Street adjacent to 804 South A Street stalled on Monday after residents told the Oskaloosa City Council they value the wooded alley and rely on it for access.

Applicant Jorge Sanchez Chavez said he initially sought the vacate because the segment is "not in use" and made his property feel like a "house of the forest," but told council that neighbors later asked to withdraw the petition and instead requested city assistance to maintain or gravel the area so it functions as an access way and is easier for visitors to find. "I call it the...house of the forest because it's surrounded by forest," Sanchez said.

Neighbor Christina (last name not provided) told the council she has maintained the gravel path for years and that city tree crews and utility vehicles use it; she also said she sometimes smells gas near the utility infrastructure and that MidAmerican Energy had been unable to locate the odor on two visits. Christina said the alley has been used and maintained by residents over time and opposed selling the right-of-way to adjacent owners.

Planning staff noted MidAmerican Energy requested an easement with building restrictions and that Planning and Zoning recommended vacation by a 6–1 vote, but follow-up discussions with adjacent property owners had not produced an agreed split of right-of-way. Councilmembers said restoring the path as a gravel road or adding a dead-end sign could be handled through future budgeting and public-works planning.

Council ultimately made a motion not to vacate the right-of-way; the motion carried by roll call.

Ending: The petition to vacate was withdrawn and council directed staff to explore low-cost options to make the alley usable (e.g., gravel, signage) and to coordinate with utilities on easement clarifications.