Renovation on American Legion Post Begins

Northport American Legion Post 694 is getting its first major renovation in 30 years. 

Work began Wednesday on a $1.17 million makeover that will include upgrades to the electrical and septic systems as well as the installation of a multi-stop traction elevator. The entire building will also be made accessible to handicapped and elderly veterans.  

"Nobody's getting any younger," said Jim Mahoney, Past Commander and Chairman of the project. "So to have an elevator to take them from the parking lot to the meeting room is going to really help out."

The renovation is being funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. North Star Concrete Construction Corp. of Selden will be doing the work, which is expected to take 16 weeks.

The American Legion had a conceptual plan for the project years ago, but it was stalled due to the faltering economy. It was revitalized when Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Steve Israel intercepted $1.17 million in federal funding set to expire, and redirected it toward the project.

"We have a moral obligation to our veterans who have given so much to our country, and they deserve to have an accessible facility at their disposal" Israel said. "This renovation will ensure that this is the case.” 

Town Councilman Mark Cuthbertson sponsored a resolution at the July 9 Town Board meeting overwhelmingly supported by his fellow board members to provide an additional $78,000 in funding from a Community Development Agency Block Grant to assist with the needed costs.

“These much-needed renovations will make it possible for all veterans to gather for the programs that mean so much to them,” Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said. “I thank Sen. Schumer, Rep. Israel and Councilman Cuthbertson for their efforts in repurposing the grant money that has allowed this project to go forward.”