Behind Marti Pitrelli’s house is a gravel lot with a massive American elm tree.

It’s not a park, but lots of local people use it. Yesterday afternoon, a few cars were parked, and three young boys ran around, throwing a football.

“It’s everyone’s backyard,” Pitrelli said, except on Sundays when Bethel A.M.E. Church members flood onto the lot and on nearby streets, making it tough to find parking.

Awarded the lot, behind the 1300 block of Druid Hill Avenue, for a nominal $15, the church is pushing ahead with plans to turn the informal public area into a private parking lot.

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