Change is in the air at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Newhall, as AMG & Associates plants its shovels in the dirt Oct. 29 to break ground on the next phase of the church’s expansion.

Representatives of the church and AMG will gather at the church at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29 for a groundbreaking ceremony, including a prayer service and an assembly of 180 students from OLPH’s Religious Education program. The church is located at 23233 Lyons Avenue.

Starting Nov. 1, the Santa Clarita-based contractor will transform four acres of property owned by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, constructing a 164-space parking lot. Protecting existing oak trees on the property is a high priority to both the parish and the city, said Albert M. Giacomazzi, president of AMG. The construction is scheduled to be completed by March 1, in time for Easter.

“Our people have been longing for this for a very, very long time,” said OLPH’s Monsignor Richard Martini. “I think all our neighbors appreciate it, too.”

He said parking and traffic issues have been a longtime frustration of parishioners, and that this project will alleviate those problems.

This will be AMG’s second project with Our Lady of Perpetual Help, having completed the church’s pastoral center at the corner of Lyons Avenue and Arcadia Street. Martini said he is glad to have the contractor on board for another project.

“AMG was very responsive to our needs,” he said. “We’re looking forward to their oversight.”

The project will entail earthwork and installing underground utilities, storm drains, irrigation systems and landscaping, Giaccomazzi said.

In addition to adding parking, the construction will also create the footprint for OLPH’s new main church building, which comprises the next phase of the expansion. With seating for 1,200 parishioners, the new building will double the church’s seating capacity.

“AMG has a great relationship with Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and I am excited about the opportunity to help the church improve its facilities,” Giacomazzi said. “This parking lot will be a solution to constant traffic issues, and will pave the way for the new main sanctuary.”

About AMG & Associates Inc.

AMG is a general contractor based in Santa Clarita. The company has expertise in all aspects of construction, from conceptual design, estimating and job site management to occupancy. AMG is also an accredited LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) contractor. To learn more about AMG, visit www.amgassociates.com.