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Veterans urge Gilbert to preserve parking and access near American Legion Post 39 amid Heritage District plan
Summary
Multiple American Legion leaders and veterans told the council that the proposed Ash Street realignment in the Heritage District could remove close accessible parking and impair Post 39's ability to serve veterans. Speakers asked for a town liaison and reconsideration of the plan.
Veterans and American Legion leaders urged the Gilbert Town Council on Oct. 28 to revise the Heritage District Ash Street realignment and preserve nearby accessible parking that they say is essential for American Legion Post 39's services and events.
Michael Bailey, a U.S. Army combat veteran and American Legion Post 39 second vice commander, told the council the post is "a veteran service hub, a lifeline" and said the redevelopment as designed would restrict short-term parking and make attendance harder for veterans with mobility issues. "Accessible parking is not a convenience. It is a matter of veteran safety and survival," Bailey said.
Other speakers described the post's community contributions and asked the council to designate a town liaison to work with Post 39 leadership. Mitchell Ellis, the post's adjutant, listed volunteer hours, scholarships, and community donations that the post provides. "We are not opposed to redevelopment. We support Gilbert's growth and progress, but progress must be inclusive," Ellis said.
Gary Vaughn, identified as the American Legion state commander, urged the council to "thoroughly explore the impact of your decisions" on disabled and elderly veterans and called for collaborative solutions. Post leaders including Commander Frank Banjesky asked the council to assign a point of contact in the town manager's office to review plans that affect the post.
Concerned veterans, including Jeremy Dykstra, a disabled Army veteran who described a therapeutic dog program coming to Post 39, said reduced parking would blunt participation in mental-health and recovery programs. "This dog has saved my life. I wouldn't be here 3 years ago without him," Dykstra said, urging the council to preserve close parking for the program.
Council response: Council members did not take immediate action on the Heritage District alignment in this meeting. Several speakers asked for the town to engage directly with Post 39 leadership; post leaders requested a designated liaison to review proposed changes before final approval.
Next steps: Post 39 representatives asked the council to revisit the Ash Street alignment and to grant the post direct access to planning staff through a designated liaison or collaborative review process. The council did not indicate a formal vote on the realignment at this meeting.
