Congressman Josh Harder has secured $850,000 to help build a new community center in Manteca for American Legion Post 249.

It will be built on city property to the east of the existing Manteca Veteran of Foreign War Post 6311 Hall/Moffat Community Center on Moffat Boulevard.

“Our veterans deserve an American Legion hall that is accessible to everyone,” Harder said. “This new community center will make sure the Manteca American Legion can properly serve all its members, including our disabled veterans.”

The Tracy Democrat, who is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, was referencing the existing Legion post home in the 200 block of East Yosemite Avenue in downtown Manteca.

Built in 1926, the building has severe access issues.

A narrow stairway leads to bathrooms that flank the stage.

The kitchen is located in the basement with access by narrow stairs that are not only non-American with Disabilities Act complaint buy they do  not even come close to meeting current state building code standards.

“We deeply appreciate the diligent efforts of the Congressman in prioritizing Manteca and our veterans,” said Manteca Mayor Gary Singh. “The allocated funds will provide a new home for the American Legion and facilitate collaborative initiatives with our City, VFW, American Legion, and Rep. Harder’s office to support all veterans in our community.”

The idea of a new home for the Legion is part of a vision Singh has been pursuing.

The mayor’s ability to network with other elected leaders — in this case Harder — and effectively  make the case for Manteca backed up by staff efforts to shape appropriation requests has proven beneficial to the community.

Singh’s lead in working with State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman enabled Manteca to secure a $15 million state grant to build a homeless navigation center.

“On behalf of the Manteca American Legion McFall Grisham Post 249, we are grateful for the dedication of our veterans and the commitment and support of our elected officials Manteca Mayor Gary Singh and Congressman Josh Harder in honoring all Manteca area veterans with a new Legion hall which will enable us to reach out and support more of those veterans who sacrificed so much for all of us,” said Jeff Aksland, Commander, McFall Grisham Post 249.

 The current American Legion building only fits 108 people.

The post has a membership approaching 400.

The federal funds secured from Harder may be able to be wedded with nearly $800,000 San Joaquín County Supervisor Tom Patti secured in pass through federal COVID funds to bring the existing Legion Hall up to ADA standards and make other remodeling to make the building more functional.

Harder’s ability to direct $850,000 to the Manteca project could have a cascading effect.

*It could lead to the creation of a veterans plaza on Moffat Boulevard between the existing and future community centers.

*The existing post home could be transferred into city ownership creating options for it to be possibly used as a catalyst to spur the development of cultural arts through small theatrical and concert productions, expand recreational programs, and/or serve as a potential visitors center.

The fact the post hall has hardwood floor means it could be used for dance classes and such.

It could also provide additional programing capacities  for the city such as art shows.

Singh has indicated city staff, based on preliminary assessments, believes the storm retention basin that was never intended to be permanent that is on the city’s Moffat property may no longer be needed due to other improvements made to the city’s storm system.

As such, it could be filled in to develop a grassy area that could be used for car shows and other outdoor events with the possible inclusion of some type of tribute to veterans.

The vision is building the new community center on the southern side of the basin partially where a billboard now stands.

The city, after building the Moffat Community Center, entered into a 50-year lease with the VFW for use of the building that also still can be used for other events by working with the post.

A similar arrangement would be likely for the new community center to allow the American Legion to call it their home.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com