DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — American Legion Post 210 has received a $100,000 state grant to fund much-needed maintenance at its headquarters on North Street in Doylestown.
The grant was recently announced by State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Representative Tim Brennan.
AR Atkinson Jr. Post 210 is home to the local branches of the American Legion and VFW. In addition to serving as a social hub and support center for local residents who have served in the military, it is a popular venue for weddings, anniversary celebrations, and a variety of community events. The building was built in 1933 and is now in the worst condition, particularly the kitchen and roof.
“It’s one thing to voice your support for veterans. It’s another to show it. Time and time again, this community shows its respect for those who have served our country, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” Brennan said. “Ed Lopez, Peter Scott and Chris Serafin do a phenomenal job out of love and respect for their fellow veterans. They make sure that these men and women who have given so much of themselves to us always have a place in our community to call home.”
The AR Atkinson Jr. Post 210 of the American Legion. (Doylestown American Legion Post 210)
“Our veterans have served our country bravely and deserve our support and recognition here at home,” said Santarsiero. “The need for upgrades at American Legion Post 210 in Doylestown is a testament to its use over time and the important role it plays for veterans in our community. I am pleased to have secured state funding to support the outstanding work the organization does for those who have served our country and continue to serve our community.”
The grant is in addition to a previous $100,000 grant that Santarsiero gave to the Legion in 2022 that enabled the Legion to repair the pavement and front steps.
“My biggest concern for our members is their safety, and we are able to solve the building’s problems largely thanks to Steve and Tim’s assistance,” said Peter Scott, commander of Post 210. “The parking lot was a disaster. It was a trip and fall hazard. Another bad winter would have destroyed it. The front steps were not only unsafe, they were an eyesore from the street.”
“The funding we got back in 2022 was very important to us because it got the ball rolling and we started to believe that we could actually save the building,” Scott continued. “We now know we can do it, and we are grateful to both legislators for supporting us on this journey.”
The $200,000 grant is a huge help. It will fund new stairs, a parking lot and the post office. The post office is now hoping for additional support from local, state and federal programs, as well as from residents and businesses.
The Legion recently launched a Go Fund Me page to raise awareness of the Post Home’s plight and to raise funds needed to save this North Street landmark.
