A proposal to purchase an overgrown alleyway in Saratoga Springs sparked significant discussion during the Real Estate Committee meeting on June 6, 2025. The alleyway, currently maintained solely by a neighboring property owner, has raised concerns about accessibility and safety for local residents.

The property owner highlighted that the alleyway, often referred to as a "Paper Street," is not actively used and is only accessible to them. They proposed buying the alley from the city to ensure continued maintenance and to facilitate better access for neighbors. "We thought, if we could purchase that from the city, and work out an arrangement with our neighbors, that would solve the issue," they stated.

Committee members acknowledged the need to determine whether the alleyway serves any public purpose before moving forward with the sale. They noted that a previous project had been approved that could affect the alley's status, emphasizing the importance of confirming any planned uses for the area.

The discussion also touched on the legal implications of selling a portion of the alleyway, with committee members expressing caution. They indicated that any sale would require offering the opportunity to adjacent property owners, as they may have greater rights to the property.

As the committee plans to gather more information on the alleyway's status, the outcome remains uncertain. The next steps will involve confirming whether the alleyway is part of any current development plans, which could influence the decision on the proposed sale. The committee is expected to reconvene to discuss the findings and potential actions regarding the alleyway in the near future.