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New City Church allowed informal use of courthouse lot on Sundays, commissioners say
Summary
Pastor Joel Littlefield asked commissioners for permission to use courthouse parking on Sunday mornings while his congregation moves into a leased facility; commissioners agreed informal, overflow use was acceptable so long as emergency parking and court-day needs are protected.
Pastor Joel Littlefield of New City Church told the Sagadahoc County commissioners on April 15 that his congregation is moving into a seven-year lease at a former Nazarene Church and asked to use the courthouse parking lot on Sunday mornings to reduce street congestion and safety concerns.
Littlefield said the church has been meeting at 150 Congress Street but that building had been sold and the congregation signed a seven-year lease with three one-year renewal options for the new site. He asked the board for permission for overflow use of courthouse parking on Sundays, noting past reciprocal arrangements had existed between the Nazarene Church and the courthouse.
Commissioners discussed existing court-day needs and signage for tow-away enforcement. One commissioner said the courthouse lot is posted for Monday–Friday business hours but "at times other than Monday through Friday business hours, it's open." The board signaled it preferred an informal arrangement rather than a new MOU: commissioners said church members could use available spaces on Sundays but that courthouse emergency parking must remain open for 24-hour departments and that the church should notify the county in advance of major court days.
Ending: Littlefield agreed to coordinate with county staff and to avoid using marked emergency spots; commissioners asked to be notified in advance of large court days. No formal agreement or change to county policy was approved; the board favored an informal, flexible arrangement.
