Local Veterans’ organizations energized by recent changes look to the future

Members of VFW Post #3180 and LL Tillman Post #900 of the American Legion are energized and planning for a meaningful and community building future following recent changes.

The VFW members met on September 25, 2021 and voted to relocate the VFW Post #3180 Charter to 9 Eckerson Avenue, the Legion Post. This results in two posts under one roof, with each having its own Charter, Constitution & By-Laws.

As the re-organization moves forward, the VFW will ask for permission from the national VFW to sell their assets and to be able to work with the Legion at one location. Both Posts are discussing plans for the future that will be mutually advantageous.

The Legion recently remodeled their kitchen and put a new metal roof on the rear banquet hall. They are now working on upgrading and replacing the HVAC system throughout the facility.

In a letter submitted to the Village of Akron Board of Trustees on September 28, 2021, the Legion expressed interest in working with the Village Board and area Civic Organizations interested in pursuing the revitalization of the Clinton Street – Eckerson Avenue corridor.

That interest includes the lot on the east side of Clinton Street adjacent to the Post.

“Our Post along with the VFW Post are in a major re-organization of our Veterans home,” the letter notes.  “Our goal is to secure a long-term working relationship with the Village in regards to this property that would be agreeable to all parties and be a win-win for the community and the Veterans.”

Quartermaster Brian Murray told Akron Village Board members Monday night that the veterans posts are interested in having the Bocce Courts moved to the property adjacent to their facility and adding horseshoe pits adjacent to them.  Murray and the Legion letter indicated the post is open to store the equipment and promoting daily play or possibly league play on the courts, as well as taking over the responsibility for that parcel of property and handling maintenance.

Long-term plans for the Post include adding back the original side porch or patio area on the west side of the building.

“We would very much like to be a major player in the re-vitalization plans as the community moves forward.  We are willing to set down with the Village Board at a work session, or if you point us in the direction of a committee that is working on this it would be very helpful,” Martin Smith, Commander American Legion Post #900 wrote.

Currently, the Post on Eckerson Ave. and Franklin St. leases 25 feet on the west side of their building from the Village of Akron, which owns the adjacent property bordered by Eckerson and Clinton Street.  That parcel, as well as a small piece on the opposite corner of Eckerson and Clinton Street, and the triangle where the Bocce courts and West Shore Market are located at Eckerson and Cedar St., are part of a Village of Akron park build-out plan which includes a proposed Rotary Club of Akron-Newstead built shelter with storage and restrooms on the Eckerson and Cedar St. portion.

Village Board members expressed an interest in facilitating a discussion regarding the Posts’ involvement with the plans for that area of the Village.