I don’t think this is a bad idea. The letter below (I found on FB) details what they would like to do with the facility and the multiple veteran and military charities/non-profits that would use it and occupy it. I am told that no tax dollars would be used to purchase or run the facility. I guess also the city attorney is working (privately) with the group to help them thru the process, but he is volunteering his time and doesn’t interfere with his public duties.
who is this group, and how do they have the $10 million asking price? this sounds like another chuck brennan scam.
I think this is great!
Now, if we can only get that cult south of Custer to buy the Badlands Speedway, then we would be set.
( – and Woodstock claims: “I still think that the old pawn shop would be a great place to bring back West Soo Hardware and the Delbridge collection, too.”)
Awesome! I’ll be making a donation.
I am predicting this will be voted down. Way too many unanswered questions about the Legion programs that will no longer be carried on in the future. The VFW is also going to vote on joining the consortium of veterans organizations. Old time members are concerned that the identity will disappear. The Legion Post does have some operational problems but this is due to management as much as any thing. Change is due but moving is not the answer. One big unanswered question is why the mayor’s chief of staff would have a permanent position on the board of directors.
Disclosure: I’m a Legion member.
My ‘Spin’ on this is why not? Bringing vet organizations together at one location makes sense. The Legion is solvent but other groups are in trouble. The VFW especially. The former Badlands Pawn was not a good business plan that has become an eyesore. The present Legion location is hard to find, antiquated, and attracts the wrong crowd. It can be sold and become taxable property. The new location would get regional if not national recognition for veterans conventions. The new realm of visitors would benefit city commerce and sales tax revenue.
All articles talking about this keep making this seem like only the Legion is involved when in fact it isn’t. It is multiple local veteran organizations who are trying to determine if this is the best thing for each of their own missions as well as how well it would overall serve all veterans in the area.
I am really on the fence about it and although on paper it sounds fantastic to have a one stop shop for veterans, I have concerns over the finance issue as different organizations are not on the same page when it comes to fundraising and handling the money that has been raised.
I also dont think the location is a great fit when it comes to veterans events as the parking lot space isn’t all that large for parking let alone some of the outdoor events they hold for local members during the warmer months.
The story is T Denny is offering some money, go figure