American Legion Housing Plan For Homeless Vets Moves Forward In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3's proposal to build a new hall with around 21 units of housing for at-risk veterans in Westfield is moving one step forward.

The Westfield Town Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the American Legion Redevelopment Plan at the Aug. 15 meeting.

The American Legion has developed a plan to replace its current facility in Westfield with a sustainable, state-of-the-art facility with a 3,000-square-foot banquet hall for veterans and around 21 units of housing for disabled and/or homeless veterans.

There will also be a full-time veterans affairs representative on site to help with job placement, resume writing, and counseling services.

"I think it's a fantastic project. It's a win-win for the legion, it's a win-win for our community. It's a win-win for veterans," said Mayor Shelley Brindle at the meeting.

Brindle added that the plan allows for the American Legion's aging facility to be upgraded while addressing the shortage of affordable veteran housing in New Jersey.

Currently, there are 33,0000 veterans across the country experiencing homelessness. In New Jersey, there around 500 at-risk veterans.

The plan to repurpose the Legion, located at 1003 North Ave. West, was first announced in September 2022. The American Legion was inspired by a group that helped build a similar housing facility for veterans in Hoboken in 2021.

Westfield's plan would be a joint initiative between Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3, the Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing, and the Town of Westfield.

"This is part of a larger statewide initiative to upgrade American Legion sites in all 21 counties over the next 5 to 10 years with a goal of providing housing for all 442 current at-risk veterans statewide," said Brindle.

Chris Colley, a redevelopment planner with Topology, presented the concept plan to the Council at the meeting

The plan calls for a three-story building, or a max height of 35 feet, with 15 to 25 units. The site needs 20 or more to qualify for a full-time veterans affairs representative on site.

One parking spot per unit would be required. The maximum building coverage would take up 30 percent of the site.

With the first reading of the ordinance passed by the Council, the plan now goes before the Planning Board to meet for consistency. It will most likely be heard at the Sept. 6 meeting.

If approved by the Planning Board, the ordinance will return to the Council on Sept. 19 for a second reading and public hearing.

Councilman Mark Parmelee shared his approval for the project.

"Doing what we can to help provide housing to our homeless veterans is one of the most important ways that we can provide the kind of support that they deserve," said Parmelee.

To read more about the Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3 click here.

Martin Wallberg was born in Västra Ed, Kalmar, Sweden, on Aug. 23, 1898 and came to Westfield with his parents when he was four years old. He attended school in Westfield, and completed his studies around the outbreak of World War I.

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