Linden VFW sells building to city

 The Linden Veterans of Foreign wars (VFW) sold the VFW Hall to Linden City in February.

 Dan Sly, commander of the Linden VFW, said, “This was a decision made by the membership of the Price Crane Robinsons VFW Post 4642. The decision to sell the building was strictly a business decision and was certainly not an easy one.

 “The Price Crane Robinsons VFW Post 4642 has a rich history in Linden and has been a community landmark for generations. Unfortunately, the post membership no longer had the ability to maintain the facility for meetings and customers renting the building. We were grateful and fortunate that the city of Linden came forward with an offer to purchase the building as a resource for the city and the community. 

 “The Price Crane Robinsons VFW Post 4642 membership is still strong and are not at risk of losing its charter. We are thankful that the city of Linden has allowed our monthly meetings to still continue at the building so we can meet on a regular basis.”

 Linden veterans began building the structure in 1951 and completed it in 1952. The VFW received its charter in December 1945.

 “Members in Linden, with their own donations and charities from themselves and what they could get from the community, actually built the place,” Sly said. “One of the first members held his wedding reception there before it even had a ceiling.”

 The city is allowing the VFW to use the building for its activities. Sly said they’re in the process of moving items out of the hall.

 On Monday, March 20, the Linden City Council discussed what to do with the building, which has been used for numerous community and private events for years. This includes Ladies Night Out, Linden Holiday Happening and most events held in the Kimble-Sharp Gazebo & Park area, as well as graduation parties, baby showers, weddings and more. The building has a kitchen, bathrooms and multiple rooms. 

 Linden City Manager Ellen Glass said the building will no longer be used by a membership organization. It will be a taxing jurisdiction. They are researching how other municipalities run community centers and are in contact with Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation in regards to operating the Fenton Community & Cultural Center. 

 “We are currently working through what it will look like for the city now owning the building. Discussing how we will handle rentals and setting a fee structure,” she said. “This was an opportunity that was presented by the membership of the VFW to the city. The VFW membership felt it was very important that the building be offered to the city since it was the community that came together and built the hall originally. The VFW organization is still active and will continue to hold its meetings at the hall and remain a significant part of our community.”

 City staff is currently working on a rental agreement contract.

 Councilor Heather MacDermaid asked if handling rentals is something the city should be doing and said city staff is not set up for this. 

 Mayor Danielle Cusson said this might not be the long term use for the building, but the city could make money from rentals. The council is expected to talk about the use of the hall at a later meeting. 

 The city paid $145,500 for the building. The two parties worked out the agreement.