Long-awaited Oakmont parking lot project one step closer to finish line

The Oakmont Community Foundation’s parking lot in the borough’s business district is looking nearly picture perfect.

“If a parking lot can be beautiful, this one is,” Oakmont Council president Nancy Ride said. “The plantings and the placement is just very well done.”

There are just a few items that need to be taken care of before people can get on the blacktop.

Ride said the lot will remain closed until the foundation is granted a highway occupancy permit from PennDOT.

“Because it was the old gas station, the entrances were right on Allegheny Avenue,” Ride said. “You need approval from PennDOT to close those.”

The permit will allow two entrances to the lot to be open: one on Delaware Avenue and the other on the corner of Cedar Way and Advance Way. Approval for the entrances is also required before the lot can open.

“Once they get the (highway occupancy permit), they will close and fix the ramping areas, and then they will also add the ADA ramps to make the area handicap-accessible,” Ride said.

She said there is no set timeline for the work because it’s dependent on PennDOT approval.

Ray Rogers, president of the Oakmont Community Foundation, did not respond to a TribLive request for comment.