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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - Letter from the American Legion Post No. 291Newport. Harbor American Legion Post No. 291 215 15th Street Newport Beach, California 673-5070 February 16, 1970 The Honorable Mayor, Doreen Marshall The Members of the City Council City of Newport Beach 3300 W. Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, Calif. 92660 To the Honorable Mayor, Doreen Marshall and the Members of the City Council: It is the desire of the Newport Harbor Post No. 291, 'The American Legion, that con- sideration be given to amending the present lease on the property located at 215-15th Street, Newport Beach for a later termination date. Representatives of The Post are willing to meet with the Council for any discussion necessary for consideration of the proposed amendment. The history of the Newport Harbor Post goes back a good number of years, starting in January, 19, when the Post was first formed. -24 The original permanent facility was located between 9th and 1 Oth Streets on Bay Ave. In 1930, an offer by the City was accepted; and the present site, which was "The Old Camp Ground", became the home of the Post by mutual agreement with the City. Through donations, fund-raising projects and the money that was acquired through the trade and subsequent sale, building of the present structure was made possible. The approximate cost was $40, 000, the majority of labor and materials being donated by members of the Post. Through the years, the Legion has fulfilled its agreement with the City for repair, maintenance and improvements of the property. With the approval of the City, a marina was added about 1958. In 1969, the Legion finished paying its obligation to Trautwein Brothers for the construction of the bulk- heads and boat slips. Since that time, we have been making prompt payments to the City in amounts of 10 per cent of the gross income from said slips., as per the agree- ment made prior to the time of construction. The marina also has been maintained in good repair. The Possessory Interest Tax to the County of Orange is also paid by the Post 291. On May 30, 1969, the building was officially dedicated as a Veterans Memorial Building. This, in essence, means that we offer use of the facilities to all veterans organizations. On the same date, for the 50th Anniversary of the National organization of the American Legion and the 45th Anniversary of Post No. 291, we built and dedicated a monument with an eternal flame in memory of all those who fought for our freedom. In addition to serving the veterans of the community for these many years through re- habilitation, etc., Newport Harbor Post 291 has a long and illustrious record for parti- cipation in civic affairs, youth activities, charitable contributions, both monetary and physical, and has shared use of its facilities with other organizations, such as: Parent-Teacher Association Grandmothers Club Newport Beach City Employees Ebell Club and Soroptimist Club Y. W. C.A. and Grange Order of the Purple Heart Past Commanders Club, County & State The 40 et 8, County and State Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard The Police Dept. and the Police Auxiliary U. S. Postal Employees Outrigger Club, etc. Dist., Area and State American Legion Unit, Dist. , & State American Legion Aux. The 8 et 40, etc. The W. W. 1 Veterans are presently arranging possible use of the facilities. The Newport Harbor Post and Auxiliary sponsor: American Legion Yacht Club Junior Soccer Team Junior Sailing Program Nurses Scholarships Memorial Services at Pacific View Junior Legion Baseball The Kingsmen Drum & Bugle Corps Sea Explorer Troop Red Cross Blood Bank Policeman & Fireman of the Year Awards 2 Boys Staters and 2 Girl Staters each year from N.H.. and C. D. M. High Schools Oratorical Contests on the U.S. Constitution in these same High Schools Americanism Citizenship Awards in the Newport Beach Junior High Schools Americanism Essay Contests in the Newport Beach Schools Donates U.S. flags to Girl and Boy Scout Troops Participates in many programs for National Security, Law and Order, Americanism, Conservation, etc. Itcan be seen by the foregoing, that The Veterans Memorial Building does serve a community purpose, and it is the hope of The American Legion Newport Harbor Post No. 291 that the City Council will give favorable consideration to restoring their lease to its original 25 year period, to terminate in the year 1995. Sincerely, Blayne M. Kimle President, Board of Directors Newport Harbor Post No. 291 The American Legion BMK: sw