Lots see lots of talk

Two proposed off-site parking lots for the West Oak Lane Church of God may not be available to accommodate overflow parking, according to testimony at a Cheltenham zoning hearing May 24.

The church is planning to use another church located on Ivy Hill Road in Springfield Township to hold 453 extra vehicles, but according to testimony from Karen Helstrom, co-president of the Elkins Park Neighbors Association, the Springfield church does not have enough parking on Sundays to accommodate its own congregation let alone any overflow parking.

During previous testimony, representatives for the church stated there would be 387 parking spaces available after they add on to the existing parking spot. The ground for the addition is currently owned by PECO.

According to Helstrom, that ground is already set aside for the Cresheim Trail Project, which will be a bicycle trail.

A second proposed site for parking, located at John Russell Park in La Mott, is also unavailable, according to Helstrom.