City considers closing 300 block of S. Cory St.

FINDLAY — The city of Findlay is considering closing the 300 block of South Cory Street to public traffic due to safety concerns. The block sits between West Crawford Street and West Main Cross Street, bordered by the Findlay Municipal Building, 318 Dorney Plaza, and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, 200 W. Crawford St. It is heavily used by the city police department and the sheriff's office, along with court personnel. At the May 19 meeting of the city's Traffic Commission, Findlay Police Chief James Mathias asked that the block be temporarily closed to the public on a trial basis. Minutes from the meeting were included on council's agenda for its regular meeting on Tuesday. Mathias said the block has been a public safety issue for years. With the new Allan H. Davis Judicial Center, located at 209 W. Main Street, now open, he said there is more travel in the area. The commission voted to close the street to the public for 90 days. City Engineer Jeremy Kalb said the bike path through the block must be maintained until 2028 as part of the terms with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). ODOT provided grant funding for the path. Councilwoman Holly Frische, R-1, raised the issue at Tuesday's council meeting, saying she understands the need for safety, but noted that it is a public street. Frische sought to have the decision referred to a council committee for further investigation. Council voted instead to ask the commission to seek approval before taking action. The vote was 9-1, with Frische opposed. Council then voted 9-1, with Frische opposed, to accept the traffic commission minutes, which will allow for the temporary closing of the street. Should permanent closure be approved, Mathias has recommended that a pull-up gate be used to block the street. He said the expense would be included in the city's capital budget for 2026. On Tuesday, Service-Safety Director Rob Martin said the trial will allow the Traffic Commission to gather data on the impact before a decision is made. Mathias, Kalb and Martin are members of the Traffic Commission, along with Fire Chief Josh Eberle and Councilman Brian Bauman, R-5.