You can’t get there from here because of the “Iron Gate.” There is a huge iron gate that denies Holy Family Church parishioners who live south of the church easy access to the parking lot via Hevey Street. Parishioners who live on Dion, Genest, Stewart and Hevey streets must now exit onto Sabattus Street, drive 100 feet or so, and enter the church parking lot from Sabattus Street. This causes congestion at a Mass time.

I, and many others, have walked to church for many years, using the back entrance to the parking lot. We can no longer do this. Along with the new “improvements,” we have lost the athletic field. No more ball games, soccer games or sliding in in back of the church in winter.

The gate in question is in two large sections. Both sections must either be opened or closed. It appears that it cannot be opened inward because of the high contour of the parking lot ground. It cannot be opened outward without blocking half of the driveway of a nearby house. Snow will also be a problem.

Going to church is just as easy for me, if once out on Sabattus Street, I just keep going to Saints Peter and Paul Basilica. I love the sound of the organ there, and I can get there from here.

Roger Jalbert, Lewiston