In an area that’s seen tens of thousands of construction and earth-moving in the last year, there’s more taking place. And for those wondering why all the earth is being moved, it’s actually more of what’s already taken place – just in a different area.

 

According to Community Development Director Randy Spellman, the heavy equipment that’s in place and work that’s at full throttle on the outer area of the Bridgeport Church of Christ located near the top of Center Street is not for a new building or an expansion of the existing one. Instead, the church is expanding their parking area.

 

“It’s a standard expansion of the parking lot and they’ve just started the work, which looks initially like a substantial project,” said Spellman. “In terms of development, it’s a smaller project. For the church, I would imagine it’s a very important project.”

The permit for the project was issued Nov. 16, 2016 in the name of the contractor as opposed to the church, said Spellman. Ironically, the permit for that was issued at the time work was nearing completion on the new city-owned parking lot below the church off of Center Street and only about 10 to 15 yards off of Main Street.

 

Wolfe Excavating, City Engineer Beth Fox said, is the contractor doing the work. The project cost is $43,000.

 

The design of the spaces was done by Hornor Brothers Engineers out of Clarksburg. The new lot expansion will add 15 spaces for the church.

 

With the lot expansion coming close to the edge of Center Street on the downward slope, one might be under the impression that it could create some storm water and runoff issues. Fox said that won’t be the case.

 

“There wasn’t enough extension of the impermeable surface to make a difference with storm water. Everything, as far as storm water from the expansion, will actually be controlled with what is in place in the new (city) parking lot,” Fox said.

 

Fox added that she felt the project had a good design. She said the only recommendation was to include bumper blocks for those parking there as it would serve as a deterrent for any car not put into park or slipping out of gear from potentially sliding into the roadway from the expanded parking lot.

 

Editor's Note: Top two photos show earth moving equipment and earth being moved, while the bottom photo is an aerial view of the project in question.