American Legion post close to securing 50-year lease

June Casagrande

American Legion Post 291 has stood proud in Newport Beach since

1949. And, assuming all goes as planned Tuesday night, it will stand

for at least 50 years more.

Legion leaders and city officials have been working for a year on

the details of a lease that would offer long-term security for the

legion. The series of amicable talks have produced a 50-year lease

deal that both sides say will fit the bill.

“It really is a win-win,” said Councilman Steve Bromberg, who was

on the council subcommittee that negotiated the deal.

Throughout its history, the legion has stayed on the 10-acre

peninsula site under a year-to-year lease. For a brief period last

year, its future seemed shaky, with developer Stephen Sutherland

drawing up plans for a luxury resort at the site. His plans included

building the resort on what is now the American Legion site and

building a new facility for the legionnaires.

The plan was contingent on approval by the American Legion, which

would have put the decision to its membership. Sutherland revised the

plan to leave the legion hall in tact, but the idea that the hall

might move was enough to cause legion leaders to ask for some

assurances.

“They kept talking about moving us and building hotels,” said J.T.

Tarwater, commander of the legion post. “This way, we’re guaranteed

to keep our home for 50 years and we don’t have to worry about it

anymore.”

The city earns a percentage of revenues from the legion’s rentals

of slips at its marina, storage space, locker rentals and parking lot

revenues. In 2000, that amount came to about $105,000.

A City Council vote Tuesday will formalize the 50-year lease.

“We’re extremely proud of the American Legion,” Bromberg said.

“There’s a strong military background in Newport Beach, and they’re

an important part of that.”

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

[email protected].