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Veterans urge Orteville to find a home for the American Legion Hall; town weighs options including negotiation or litigation
Summary
Long Valley American Legion representatives and residents pressed the Orteville Town Board to replace the Legion Hall after plans to remove the existing structure for a park project; councilors discussed deed questions, a judge advocate letter, county assistance, and whether to pursue legal action.
Members of the Long Valley chapter of the American Legion and other residents urged the Orteville Town Board on at-length public comment to commit to finding a replacement site or building for the American Legion Hall after the current structure was slated for removal as part of a ball-field/park project.
Danny Spencer, identifying himself with the American Legion chapter, said the legion "donated that property to the town free of charge, and they've been using that building for 60 years," and urged the town to "step up" to provide a replacement. He said the chapter and local supporters have been using the facility for decades and that the town’s announcement to remove the building left the legion without an adequate meeting space.
Speakers discussed uncertainties about deed ownership and referenced a letter from a judge advocate that requires a response before a meeting in February. One resident noted the deed may have been conveyed in a way that later creates ownership questions; council members agreed they needed to review the legal paperwork. A town official said the legion property may be held at the state level and that the chapter planned to meet in February to discuss next steps.
Council members proposed a range of options discussed in public: negotiating with the legion chapter to determine needs (size, amenities), asking the county to donate or sell a small parcel near the pool site, exploring a shell building that could later be fitted out with volunteer donations, or pursuing legal resolution. No final decision was made. One councilor volunteered (Bob, referenced by name during the meeting) to meet with legion representatives and return with a proposal for the council’s consideration.
Council members asked staff to confirm receipt of the judge advocate letter and to circulate any attorney opinion letters to councilors. The town did not take a formal vote to commit funds or to relocate the legion hall; the item remained in a fact‑finding and stakeholder‑engagement stage at the meeting’s end.
Next steps recorded in the meeting: staff to check on the judge advocate letter’s receipt and at least one council member to meet with American Legion chapter representatives and report back at the next meeting.
