American Legion to City Hall: Rumors Aside, We're Not For Sale

Hugh Laird of American Legion Post 282 has written the La Mesa City Council to scotch rumors about the American Legion being sold to developers of the Park Station project—the proposed 19-story mixed-use development near The Village.

While never using the phrase “Park Station” in his April 28 letter, Laird wrote the council: “We realize rumors fly in all circles and some people … enjoy keeping them alive. Yet we hope this letter helps put any of that to bed that the American Legion has not now or in the past been discussed with anyone regarding the sale of the property.”

In response, Park Station developer and landowner Joseph Kitzman sent a letter of his own Wednesday.

Posted on the project’s website and addressed via email to “Dear La Mesa Community Member,” the letter signed by Kitzman said:

“We have received a few questions about Park Station and our relationship with the American Legion La Mesa Post 282. My family has been friends and neighbors with the Legion for more than 50 years. In 2008, the Legion agreed to be a co-applicant with us when we originally submitted Park Station to the City of La Mesa. Nothing has changed since this time.”

In his letter, Laird—the post adjutant and finance officer—agreed that the legion continues to be a co-applicant for a specific plan zone change.  But he reiterated the legion’s opposition to selling its land to developers of the project formally called Park Station at the Crossroads of La Mesa.

“This zoning change … was for the purpose of taking our property from commercial status to mixed use should our membership desire to do so in the future,” Laird wrote, adding:  “The property owned by the American Legion has not been discussed nor has it been put on the table anywhere regarding its sale. This is nothing that any group or committee can agree to or do.”

Kitzman’s letter amplifies the developer’s previous contention that “The American Legion will either remain a part of Park Station or be relocated at no cost to the organization or taxpayers.”

On Wednesday, Kitzman wrote: “The Legion continues to be a co-applicant with us. If the city approves our proposal, this arrangement provides the Legion with the flexibility to incorporate their post into the Park Station project, potentially relocate or stay exactly where they are.”

On Friday afternoon, Laird told La Mesa Patch that he’s heard from Park Station representatives more in the past two weeks than in the previous two years.

In his letter, Kitzman said the project’s draft environmental impact report is scheduled for release this summer, and “as this milestone draws closer, we will let you know how you can participate.”

Tuesday night, city Community Development Director Bill Chopyk said the main holdup in the EIR was the traffic circulation study.

The city’s website says the density levels of the project will be determined by the results of a traffic impact analysis, “resulting in limited future traffic impacts in the community. The traffic impact analysis will be thoroughly analyzed in the Draft EIR. The project has been delayed pending city acceptance of the traffic study.”

Kitzman’s letter says Park Station representatives have spoken to more than 1,000 residents and met with more than 20 community groups.

“We welcome the opportunity to discuss the project,” he concluded, “and if you are interested in having a presentation, please contact Chris Wahl at: (858) 361-4750 or info@parkstationlamesa.com.”