The Future Location of AMVets Post 25 on Washington Avenue is Uncertain.

“We don’t want to sell this property, but if we have to because of the lack of parking, across the street we may be forced to do that,” said a member of the executive board of the AMVets Post 25 who did not want to be idenified.  The Post is located at 186 Washington Avenue, on the east end of Portland.

Directly across Washington Avenue from Post 25 named for Korean war hero Major Charles J. Loring, Jr. is a large  parking lot that is part of the former Northern Burner  Supply Co, 185 Washington Avenue which vacated the property last year.

In July Jonathan Culley, Managing Partner of Redfern, initated a meeting with the Post’s executive board.  At that time, Culley said that he intends to purchase the vacated buiding and parking lot to develop into housing.  However, the city of Portand has not approved the development so Redfern has not yet purchased the property.from the Waterhouse family.

If the city approves the Redfern project, then the AmVets will lose their 20 or so parking spaces used by its members in that lot.  In return for the use of the parking lot for its members, the non-profit maintains the lot.   The board member said that consists mostly of snow removal during the winter months.  In the meantime, the AmVets property has been listed for sale to learn just how much the property with a waterfront view could fetch on the real estate market. The asking price is over $1,600 million.  There has been interest in the property, but there have been no official offers.

Redfern wants to building a seven story building with around 320 units and parking for only 32 vehicles.   That presumably is the sticking point in the development for the city.

“We may be stuck here with no parking at all for our members,” said the executive board member.  “But the walk down Washington  Avemie could be a long one for some of our older Post members.”

“This begs the question for this blogger.  If the Post decides to sell the Post property, would it be sold to Redfern?”

For more background information on the Northern ‘Burner Supply Co, please read posts herein dated April 27, 2024 and July 7, 2024.