Saturday, October 3, 2026
American Legion Post 1711, located on North Jerusalem Road in Levittown, has been awarded more than $74,000 in state funding to repair its parking lot and drainage system — a project that has been called essential to keeping the post operating and accessible.
For years, the lot has suffered from uneven pavement, pooling water, and damage caused by sewer pipe repairs. Underground wiring that lights signage at the entrance has also sustained damage, the post’s leaders said.
The total $74,250 state grant will allow the American Legion to resurface and re-pitch the lot, upgrade the drainage system, and ensure the grounds are safe for members, visitors and guests.
Post 1711 Commander Christopher Drummond said the project is critical because the post depends heavily on renting out its hall to sustain operations, hosting graduations, communions, confirmations, retirement parties and other celebrations throughout the year. Those rentals generate the majority of the revenue that funds programs for veterans and the wider community.
Among its initiatives, Post 1711 donates to food banks such as Long Island Cares, delivers supplies to veterans at the Northport VA nursing home, and participates in Wreaths Across America at Pinelawn National Cemetery. Legion members also place flags on veterans’ graves each Memorial Day and are working to re-charter a Cub Scout pack.
In addition, the post regularly opens its doors to other nonprofit and community organizations, providing space for local groups to meet and host events.
Drummond said the state grant ensures those activities can continue, and added that a safe, functional lot is not only important for renters, but also for older veterans and family members who visit.
“We don’t want anybody tripping or hurting themselves when they come to use our facility,” he said.
Like many veterans’ service organizations nationwide, Post 1711 has faced financial pressures in recent years. Membership has declined, fundraising is limited, and maintenance costs often exceed what can be recouped through hall rentals. As a result, many posts across the country have been forced to close.
Drummond noted that Levittown’s post is among the largest in Nassau County, and said the state assistance provides stability at a critical time.
“This is one of those capital projects we just couldn’t fund ourselves,” he said. “Support like this makes all the difference.”
While the lot renovation is the immediate priority, Drummond said the post would continue to look for other grants and opportunities to help maintain the building.
The Levittown award is part of the third round of the Veterans’ Nonprofit Capital Program, providing reimbursement for infrastructure improvements at veterans’ halls and service organizations across the state.
In this round, $1 million was distributed to 16 organizations statewide, with grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000. Projects include roof replacements, HVAC and electrical upgrades, kitchen and community room renovations and accessibility improvements.
The Levittown post was one of two on Long Island to receive funding, along with the West Islip Post 1738 American Legion, which received $74,434.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to veterans’ needs.
“Our veterans, who have courageously served to protect our country, need and deserve to have access to safe, quality facilities to gather with family and loved ones,” Hochul recently said in a news release. “This investment will not only allow for critical infrastructure upgrades, but it will also allow veterans to come together and bond with their community and families.”
Robert J. Rodriguez, president and CEO of the state’s Dormitory Authority, said the upgrades will “help ensure that veterans have access to safe, modern facilities where they can gather, receive services, and maintain the important connections forged through their service to our nation.”
Since its creation in 2022, the program has distributed more than $4.6 million to veterans’ organizations across New York. Funds may be used for design, engineering, construction, renovation or equipment purchases, helping posts complete projects that would otherwise remain out of reach.
