Vestal American Legion Hall to Be Demolished for New Fire Station

An American Legion clubhouse that opened six decades ago is about to be torn down for construction of a Vestal Fire Department station.

Crews from Upstate Companies of Oneonta are doing preparation work for demolition of the two-story cinder block building west of Jensen Road.

Hundreds of special events, including banquets and wedding receptions, were held at the American Legion complex since it opened in April 1961.

A glimpse inside the old clubhouse of the John Handte American Legion Post 89 in Vestal on September 20, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The three-and-a-half acre site was acquired by the Vestal Fire District for $607,000 in 2018. District voters last January approved borrowing $7.5 million to construct a 15,000-square-foot station.

Trees are being removed around the perimeter of the property this week. Vestal fire chief John Paffie said he expects some grading at the site will get underway soon.

Prep work at the site of a future Vestal Fire Department station on September 20, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Gorick Construction Company will demolish the unused building to clear the way for construction of the new fire department complex.

The station will be located just south of the Kohl's store in the Parkway Plaza. It will replace the existing Station 4, which is located a short distance away on the Vestal Parkway.

A rendering of the new station to be built west of Jensen Road. (Provided by Vestal Fire Department)

Paffie said he believes the new fire station could be operational by the end of next year. The complex will provide modern facilities for members of the volunteer department and more space for fire equipment.

The American Legion post has moved to a smaller site at 259 Vestal Parkway East.

VIDEO: WNBF News visited the old clubhouse on September 20, 2022.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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Filed Under: American Legion, construction, Jensen Road, Vestal, Vestal Fire Department

Categories: Articles, Local News