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LOCKPORT -- The Dunnstown United Methodist Church is asking Woodward Township's supervisors for more parking.
The church, which exists at the end of Church Street in the township, is having problems with a lack of parking due to increasing congregation size.
Due to churches closing in the area, they have picked up more congregants recently. On Sundays, during service hours, parking has also become an issue for residents who live along the street.
Residents who attended Tuesday's township meeting, claim cars are parking in front of their parking lots and properties. They are allegedly blocking both sides of the roadway, causing claustrophobic traffic. It could ultimately be a safety issue, Church Street residents fear.
Supervisor Kyle Coleman suggested increasing the parking spots. Along with more spots, he suggested adding a sign stating church parking only during Sunday service hours. There would be an additional five to six spots added.
The parking along the street hasn't changed at the church since it was established in 1995. It currently only has two disabled parking spots.
An alley exists along the cemetery which could be used as plausible parking. The alley, originally named "Plum Alley," is privately owned by the Cemetery Association. However, since it is not a township road, it is a no outlet road. Though people regularly use it anyway, unaware of it being a no outlet zone.
The Woodward Township Police Department uses it to patrol the cemetery, according to police chief, Stephen Falotico. However, they received complaints about people using it regularly.
With the roadway being narrow, the alley is an access point for a turn around.
According to Coleman, the no outlet was specifically for Church Street itself. The alley is also needed during funeral services.
"It wasn't meant to confuse people that were there for a funeral or something to not go out that way," he explained.
The supervisors plan to meet with all parties and find a solution regarding the parking. They hope additional parking might ease up traffic.
"We'll come up with something that will work for everybody," Coleman said.
In other business, Riverview Park's restrooms have received a new overhaul.
According to Coleman, the walls have been repainted, floors were redone, new divider's were installed between toilets, new lighting fixtures and more were conducted to them. The township's sewer employees were responsible for making the adjustments happen.
However, due to the restroom's remodeling, the township fears vandalism could be possible.
In the last several years, damage has been done to the restrooms. The supervisors are planning on installing an electronic lock system on the restrooms' doors.
"We had some problems a couple of years ago during COVID. I think some kids were bored hanging out down there and stuff was being damaged," Coleman said.
Cameras are also being considered to be placed outside to monitor them 24/7. There are two estimates being decided on by the supervisors.
One would allow a timer to be set, so when the door goes shut it can't be opened, according to Coleman.
The other option would allow cameras to be added to the system. The cameras would be accessible via a cellphone. It is a more expensive option however, according to the supervisors. Option one is $3,100 and option two is $5,500.
The supervisors are planning on putting ARPA funds toward the system. A decision on the options will be made at a later meeting.
Along with updating the park's restrooms, the supervisors are planning on increasing the pavilion rental price. The price may be increased from $50 to $75 pending a decision at their next meeting.
Coleman also gave an update on this year's Riverfest from July 13-16. Bands are planned for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Fireworks will be set off at 10 p.m. that Saturday. The annual Duck Derby is planned for 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
"This is the first year where we're pretty much back to normal since 2019," Coleman said.