In a recent government meeting, officials addressed ongoing parking issues related to a local church, Joy Church, which has seen a significant increase in attendance. The discussions highlighted concerns over ambiguous no-parking signage and the impact of a new parking ordinance on local residents and resources.

During the meeting, it was revealed that officers had responded to a parking complaint near the church but were unable to locate the vehicle's owner. This incident prompted a review of the no-parking signs on Chestnut Street, which were deemed confusing. In response, officials confirmed they had removed a sign indicating \"no parking here to corner\" and planned to replace it with clearer signage stating \"no parking this side.\"

Residents expressed frustration over the changes, suggesting that the new ordinance has led to unnecessary strain on municipal resources, including the police and Department of Public Works. One resident noted that the church's growing congregation, estimated at around 1,200 attendees during peak times, raises concerns about potential overcrowding and the adequacy of parking spaces.

The meeting also touched on the need for a maximum occupancy assessment for the church, as officials acknowledged that the building's capacity and parking availability had not been adequately monitored. Suggestions were made to have an inspector present during peak service times to ensure compliance with occupancy regulations.

As discussions concluded, residents urged the council to reconsider the new parking ordinance, advocating for a return to the original regulations to alleviate the burden on local streets and maintain the quality of life for residents. The council's decision on whether to restore the previous ordinance or maintain the current regulations remains pending, with ongoing monitoring of parking violations expected.