American Legion Post 6 commander William Munsee expressed his frustration with the town of Chapel Hill in a letter sent to the town manager.

Munsee said he read a report on a meeting held March 16, during which the Chapel Hill Town Council discussed the possible future of the American Legion property.

“In the report were heartfelt desires from community residents outlining the needs of the community and the town,” he said. “And after all was said and done, there was not one word that had to do with the needs of American Legion members.”

American Legion Post 6

American Legion Post 6 (Photo by Blake Hodge)

After two and a half years of debate, the legion decided to sell the 36-acre property and entered into an agreement with Woodfield Acquisitions for $10 million.

Chapel Hill was given the right of first refusal and waived that right in a closed-session meeting in November.

When the decision was announced publicly, there was public outcry by neighboring residents and other community members for the town to buy the property and turn it into a park.

“I must confess I think it was a discussion that should have taken place after the town purchased the property, which it declined to do when given the opportunity,” Munsee said.

The decision to waive the right of first refusal was made just after the November election, when a new mayor and three new council members were elected, but not yet sworn in.

“When development started around us, the Legion was silent and didn’t protest any of the developments,” Munsee said. “It was the ‘right thing to do.'”

The contract between Woodfield and American Legion is contingent on the developer receiving a Special Use Permit from the town.

“Now that it is our turn to sell our land and move, we expect the same courtesies we extended to our neighbors,” Munsee said. “We do anticipate town oversite, but hope it does not turn into ‘analysis paralysis.'”

He said the American Legion needs to move as soon as they can because the current building is too old to continue serving their needs into the future and he hopes Woodfield will be in a position to submit a proposal within the next two months.

Related Stories
‹
American Legion Property Task Force Recruitment Continues in Chapel Hill
The transfer of property once owned by the American Legion to the municipal government in Chapel Hill is underway, but participation in the business at hand will not be limited to town officials. According to Mayor Pam Hemminger, residents are being sought to join a task force that will make recommendations to the Chapel Hill […]
Town Council Continues To Review American Legion Possibilities
The debate over what to do with the 36-acre property soon to be the former home of the American Legion is far from over. “We have this opportunity now,” Mayor Pam Hemminger said during the town council’s work session Wednesday night. “I wanted to hear whether the council wanted to look for other options or […]
As Chapel Hill Library Weighs Options Amid Possible Funding Cut, Supporters Speak Up to County
After receiving more than $620,000 annually from the Orange County government, the Chapel Hill Public Library may soon lose that funding.
Blue Sky Robotics Expanding Chapel Hill Headquarters, Moving to Rosemary Street
Blue Sky Robotics, which has been headquartered in downtown Chapel Hill since its founding in 2023, will be moving to the Innovate Carolina Junction building at 136 East Rosemary Street. The company is currently located in the Hill Commercial Building on 142 East Franklin Street. In a presentation to the Chapel Hill Town Council Wednesday […]
No Tax Increases and Increased Spending Featured in Chapel Hill Staff's Proposed FY27 Budget
Following a year with improved revenues and a new town manager at the helm, the Town of Chapel Hill may go into the next fiscal year without a tax increase or significant cuts.
Impassioned Public Comment Leads Chapel Hill Town Council to Drop Discussion of Downsizing
A discussion by the Chapel Hill Town Council about trimming its seats and extending the length of mayoral term was met with swift, vocal opposition during a public hearing last week.
Orange County Clerk of Court Mark Kleinschmidt Wins State, National Honors
Orange County Clerk of Superior Court Mark Kleinschmidt has been recognized with two awards – one statewide and one national – in recognition of his service. Kleinschmidt received the North Carolina Guardianship Association’s Trailblazer Award last week in Asheville, recognizing his two terms as Clerk of Superior Court and Probate Judge. In legal terms, guardianship […]
Climate Action, A New Hotel and Downsizing Council? Highlights from Chapel Hill Town Council's Apr. 15 Meeting
The Chapel Hill Town Council held its first official business meeting of the month on Wednesday, Apr. 15 to cover a full agenda — which included discussing affordable housing funding, ongoing climate action efforts, parking incentives for a hotel project, and more.
Chapel Hill to Resume Conversations for West Rosemary Street Hotel With Public Hearing
This week, Chapel Hill is resuming talks for a proposed hotel development in its downtown along West Rosemary Street.
Local Government Meetings: March 23-27, 2026
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners and Orange County school board are set to meet after seeing their prior meetings postponed.
›