status.htm

CURRENT STATUS

On April 8, 1996, The Legion Ville Task Force was formed to assist the Legion Ville Historical Society, Inc., in preserving the Legion Ville site. Governor Thomas Ridge (R) and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission pledged their unmitigated support to the project. Larry Williamson, director of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, visited the site in May of 1996, to gain a better understanding of the cultural and economic potential Legion Ville has to offer. As of October 31, 1996, an appraisal of the property is being conducted on five parcels of land by two independent companies. Jerart Developers, owners of three parcels encompassing 28 acres, has publicly pledged to donate their portion in the future. Beaver County has agreed to use the donated Jerart property as their contribution to a 50/50 matching grant from the State of Pennsylvania. This funding would be used to purchase or acquire the remaining two parcels through eminent domain procedures. The remaining 16.3 acre and 5.86 acre parcels are owned by Bogus Paul Mouradian (see Stupid Asses article) and LeRoy Friend of Northwest Chevrolet /Geo who want to put a strip mall and car dealership on the property respectively. The Legion Ville Historical Society has been committed since 1973 to preserving the entire 50 acre site as listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Although Beaver County seems committed to preserving the 16.3 acre Mouradian parcel, they seem less interested in acquiring the 5.86 acre parcel belonging to Friend. Should the site ever become a historical park, it would have a car dealership impacting the integrity of the original 50 acre site. The destruction to Legion Ville would be a mockery to all who have server in the Legion of the United States and Native Americans who once called Legion Ville their home.

We need your help to preserve this site.

Your support is urgently needed to speak out against the assault upon this hallowed ground. We ask that you join our efforts by writing in support of the preservation of Legion Ville.

In 2004, Wright Pontiac of Ambridge, Pennsylvania purchased the property from Alexander Barlamas (Ambridge, Pa.) and Mitchell Unis (Aliquippa, Pa). Wright Pontiac plans to build a car dealership on the property even though 17 soldiers are buried on the property. If you find this is outrageous as we do, by all means let Mr. Rick Wagoner or our governor know how you feel. Makes you wonder about their slogan, “Pontiac, An American Revolution.”

With sincere appreciation,

The Legion Ville Historical Society. Inc.

legionville1792@yahoo.com

(724) 266- 1795

Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell

Room 225, Capitol Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120

Beaver County Commissioners

1) Dan Donatella, Chairman
2) Joe Spanik
3) Charles A. Camp

810 Third Street

Beaver, PA 15009

Pontiac Motor Division

Attention: Rick Wagoner

100 Renaissance Center

Detroit, Michigan

48265-1000

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