Peabody veterans post buys building for $1

PEABODY – After more than 60 years, members of the Portuguese-American War Veterans Post will own the building at 103 Tremont St. for the small price of $1.City Councilors originally approved the Post’s request to purchase the building just over two weeks ago, but legal issues regarding an amendment to the motion by Councilor Rico Mello caused them to reconsider.The original motion stated that the property must be deeded back to the city if and when the members decide to leave. Mello, who supports the sale of the building to the veterans, strongly disagreed. He amended the motion to state that they should be able to sell the property on their own, as any other property owner would. Doing so would allow the veterans to earn back some of the expected hundreds of thousands of dollars invested into roof repairs, a new sprinkler system and other permit-required improvement projects.”They’ve been running that building for decades and done a great job with it,” said Councilor Ted Bettencourt Jr., who supported Mello’s intentions. “They will be putting lots of money into it and taking out mortgages without the help of the city.”Bettencourt went on to say that the veterans, past and present, are entitled to recoup that money if the time comes.Fearing any future accusations of individual gain, Councilor Dave Gravel suggested that the money earned from the sale of the property be donated to charity, specifically another Post.All was well until City Solicitor John Christopher offered his opinion after the fact, stating that changing the requirements of a proposal after it went out to bid was unfair and went against Massachusetts General Law.The Councilors discussed the request once again Thursday night.”What we have here is good intentions that hit a bump in the road,” said Bettencourt.Many of the councilors expressed concern over reverting back to the original motion, which entails returning the building back to the city. If that were to happen, the city would then be held responsible for any outstanding loans.”To hand it over and incur loans down the road just doesn’t sound right,” said Councilor Garabedian.Others, confident in how dedicated the members have been over the years, believe that day will never come.”I want them to have the club,” said Gravel, adding that they’re good tenants and deserve to have it. “I don’t believe that will occur.””They’re hard working people?and proud of that post,” said Councilor Barry Osborne. “They have too much invested.”Councilors unanimously approved the original motion to deed the building back to the city.