Nobody in Gloucester wants to see the local post of the American Legion without a home. As they should be, veterans are held in high regard in Gloucester.
But there is no way that city officials can allow the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post 3 to remain where it has been for almost 90 years, in the historic city-owned building at the corner of Washington and Middle streets that served as the city hall more than a century ago.
It is not just that it is too expensive for the cash-strapped city, which has been subsidizing the American Legion for decades. The building doesn't meet state safety codes either.
The American Legion has been paying only $300 per month in rent, while the city has been covering a $1,900 monthly utility bill. As City Council President Bruce Tobey said, "It's not sustainable to operate a significant city building as a private club that's only paying one-sixth of expenses."
And the building does not have sprinklers, which are required by a new state law for bars and clubs with a capacity of more than 100.
Even if state law did not require sprinklers, last month's devastating fire at the Lorraine Apartments should serve as a warning of what can happen to buildings without up-to-date fire protection.
The American Legion is cash-strapped as well, and can't afford to pay either the utility bill or the $90,000 to $100,000 it would cost to put sprinklers in the building.
But we hope the post's adjutant, Peter Tibbetts, wasn't speaking for the long term when he said, "We're out of business. Period."
Both Tobey and Mayor Carolyn Kirk have said they will try to help the American Legion find a new home - though Kirk hasn't ruled out trying to find a way to let the post remain where it is.
The organization itself needs to step up as well. While it has a membership of 430, those members have been less active in recent years. If the American Legion wants the assistance of the city, it needs to demonstrate that there is enough interest to make it worth the effort.
