Attempt to force removal of Cory St. barricade fails

FINDLAY — A move to force Findlay administrators to remove the barricade on the 300 block of South Cory Street has failed. Legislation that would have "disapproved" the temporary restriction of vehicle access along the block was denied by council at its regular session on Tuesday, with a 7-2 vote. Voting against "denying" the resolution were councilmen Rodney Phillips, R-6, and Danny DeLong, R-7, with Councilwoman Carol Smith, R-3, absent. The issue has surfaced repeatedly over the years amid concerns tied to nearby public safety and court operations. The resolution addressed a restriction on South Cory Street between West Crawford Street and West Main Cross Street that was implemented administratively in June 2025. The restriction limits through traffic in an area bordered by the Findlay Municipal Building, 318 Dorney Plaza, and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, 200 W Crawford St. The Cory Street block has been the subject of prior debate. In earlier discussions, city officials cited similar safety concerns tied to police and court traffic, particularly following the opening of the Allan H. Davis Judicial Center, 209 W. Main Cross St. Council members previously questioned whether such decisions should be made administratively or by council, underscoring broader concerns about public access to city streets. City officials have said the restriction is intended to improve safety and operational efficiency for police, sheriff's deputies, court personnel and emergency responders who regularly use the block for prisoner transport and response activity. Pedestrian and bicycle access remain available, including use of the adjacent bike path. The matter was discussed last month by the city's Traffic Commission, where Service-Safety Director Rob Martin and Police Chief James Mathias emphasized that the city is not proposing to vacate or permanently close the roadway, but to limit general public vehicle access. Martin said the restriction requires a detour of about one block. Mathias told the commission the area involves sensitive law enforcement and judicial activity and that reducing civilian traffic could help minimize conflicts and improve response times. He said the city has received letters supporting the restriction from the Hancock County commissioners and other elected officials, including judges and the county sheriff. However, residents and motorists have raised concerns about the lack of access, the inconvenience and the impact on the safety of other nearby intersections. The Traffic Commission took no formal action on the issue at its Jan. 20 meeting and planned to continue discussing it later this month. It is then expected to be referred to council's Street and Sidewalk Committee, which would be charged with making a recommendation to council.