(GILBERT) – The Town of Gilbert is planning to open access to its new downtown development, but that could mean paving over the majority of the close handicap accessible parking lot for American Legion Post 39.
The Ash Street Redevelopment Project aims to open access to the upcoming Heritage Park Development, which will bring new apartment housing, restaurants, and shops to the Heritage District. Priorities surrounding access have sparked debate among the community.
Photo credit: Teri Tracy
Second Vice Commander Michael Bailey spoke with OpGov.ai to address the Legion Post’s concerns and to discuss the damage that such a change might inflict upon the local veteran community.
“We first became aware of the implications of the realignment plan from our post commander," Bailey shares. “He attended a council meeting and was approached by planning committee members and council members, informing him of the plans.”
After the planning committee shared detailed concepts and maps in a meeting, Frank Banaszewski, American Legion Post 39 Commander, understood that the committee planned to eliminate or severely restrict parking in the lot directly adjacent to the building.
Photo credit: Teri Tracy
Accessibility concerns were the Post’s first priority following the news.
“For many of our veterans — especially those with mobility challenges, PTSD, or limited mental resilience — that proximity isn’t just convenient; it’s critical,” Says Bailey. “Post 39 is a service hub — a place where veterans come not only for camaraderie but for crisis support, peer-to-peer intervention, VA guidance, and sometimes just a safe space to not be alone.”
During the Oct. 28 town council meeting, Second Vice Commander Bailey and Commander Banaszewski brought their concerns to the podium during public comment to highlight the severity of the situation. Emotions were high, considering the stakes.
Photo credit: Teri Tracy
Despite the moving testimony of Legion Post 39 members and community supporters across several town council meetings, there isn’t a clear view of the project’s future impact on the Post just yet.
Town Spokesperson Joanna Guzman shared a status update on the Ash Street Realignment project with OpGov.ai, providing an unclear stance on whether the project will impact the Post.
“The Ash Street Realignment project is designed to enhance connectivity, safety, and long-term mobility in Gilbert,” Guzman shared. “This initiative will realign Ash Street to form a continuous, functional corridor that links Page Avenue to Vaughn Avenue, relieving pressure on Gilbert Road and improving access to the Heritage District’s core.”
Photo Credit: Town of Gilbert
Guzman also noted that the planning committee intends to upgrade nearby intersections in the future to accommodate traffic flow in light of economic development, and to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and bike traffic along the often-congested Gilbert Road, the district’s current main access.
The future the Legion Post foresees rings a far more serious note, emphasizing the importance of the connection and support the Post provides to local veterans and their families.
“Years of data show that isolation is one of the strongest predictors of veteran suicide”, Bailey supports, “For some veterans, a short walk from a distant parking space isn’t just a short walk.” It is the difference between showing up and turning around. Between connection and isolation.”
“Between having a lifeline — or not,” he adds.
The Town of Gilbert states that it is still coordinating with potentially impacted local businesses and property owners, and that the design phase is still 70% complete.
“The final proposed alignment and design plans will be available at a later phase of the project after the project team has been able to meet with and review any potential impacted property owners and when all technical requirements have been satisfied, “ Guzman presented.
She said of the ongoing project and the Post, “We appreciate the open dialogue we’ve had with the American Legion Post during this phase of the project and greatly value our longstanding relationship.”
The aforementioned longstanding relationship includes several community programs nonprofit Legion Post 39 is involved in, including donating within the community, staying open on Thanksgiving and Christmas for those in need, and sponsoring local Boy Scouts, among others.
Photo credit: Email/Second Vice Commander Michael Bailey
“Our goal is not conflict. Our goal is collaboration,” Bailey encourages. “We believe redevelopment and preservation of accessibility can coexist — and we are eager to work toward a solution that reflects both progress and respect for those who have already given so much.”
OpGov will follow up on this story as information becomes available. If you have any comments or questions on the issue, please contact me at tracy.t@lead4earth.org.
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