American Legion One Step Closer To Taking Over Library Building

A release from House Minority Leader Brad Jones:

Legislation authorizing the town of Lynnfield to convey the former South Library building to the Lynnfield American Legion has been approved by the House and Senate and is now awaiting Governor Baker’s signature.

House Bill 4010 would allow the American Legion to purchase the 630 Salem Street property from the town for $1 and use the building as a permanent meeting place. The proposed sale was approved at the Annual Town Meeting on October 16 by a vote of 142-26.

“The Lynnfield American Legion is dedicated to providing assistance and outreach to local veterans and their families,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), who sponsored the legislation on the town’s behalf with Senator Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn). “Having a permanent facility of its own will enable the organization to better carry out its mission on behalf of the town’s veterans.”

“I was pleased to work with my colleague in the House,” said Senator McGee. “The Lynnfield American Legion has provided great services to veterans in the community; this facility will assist them in continuing to provide those great services.”

House Bill 4010 contains provisions that would allow the title to revert back to the town if the property goes unused for more than 1 continuous year, unless the non-use is caused by “an uncontrollable force or natural disaster.” If the town elects to reclaim the property title, it would first need to provide written notice to the American Legion and record a notice of the reversion with the Essex Southern District Registry of Deeds.

Governor Baker has until November 23 to sign the bill into law.