The roof at American Legion Post No. 144 in Williston Park is still in need of some major repairs, but the veterans’ organization knows it has some local lawmakers on its side.
The post’s building at 730 Willis Ave. has major leaks in its roof, and fixing them comes with a big price tag.
The lowest estimate it has received to fix the portion over its main front room was for $22,000, Junior Commander Robert Guastella said. If they post also repaired portions over the building’s other two rooms, he said, the project could cost up to $60,000.
The post held an art auction on Aug. 22 to start raising money for the repairs, which ended up netting about $1,500.
It did not draw a large crowd, but among the most enthusiastic in attendance was state Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola).
Martins stayed for about two hours and placed winning bids on three pieces of art, Guastella said. He also bought several tickets for the event’s 50/50 raffle and gave them back to the post, so any money the tickets won would go towards the repairs.
“He’s very good with us,” Guastella said.
The Williston Park post and the other veterans’ groups Martins has met with have been “great friends” to him, he said in a statement.
“I appreciate the support and friendship they have shown me and my family over the years,” Martins said.
Martins has co-sponsored a state bill that would make veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion eligible to receive money for repairs from the State and Municipal Facilities program, as libraries and schools do.
This would make it easier for them to get grant funding, which the Williston Park post has unsuccessfully applied for in the past, Guastella said.
“Even if we get half of it, that’s a big start,” he said.
The senator is one of several area politicians with whom the post has friendly relationships.
State Assemblyman Edward Ra (R-Franklin Square), Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello (R-District 9: New Hyde Park), U.S. Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth have all shown support, Guastella said.
“I don’t look at party lines,” he said. “I look at who’s going to help us.”
The post is still seeking donations to help with the roof repairs.
As an incentive, 10 percent of any amount donated will be credited to the donor’s rental of the post’s special event space. For example, if someone gives $500, the donor will get $50 off the price of a rental.
The post also plans to hold another art auction in November of next year, Guastella said.
