Saugus puts investments towards veterans

SAUGUS — Town Manager Scott Crabtree announced the town funded the American Legion Building and Veterans War Monument as two Capital Improvement Projects.

According to a press release, “The town invested approximately $350,000 in the Saugus American Legion Building improvement project.”

Those improvements focused on removing lead paint, and “crews repaired and replaced more than 1,200 linear feet of rotted wood discovered on the building’s siding, sheathing, trim, attic louvers, and the sign for the Marine Cpl. Scott J Procopio American Legion Post 210.”

Crabtree stated, “The Saugus American Legion Building is an important gathering place that is near and dear to the hearts of local veterans and military families. I’m thrilled that the town can complete a project like this to support our veterans.”

According to a video separate from the press release, Crabtree is also hoping to install an AC unit and heating system in the building.

In the video, Commander of the Saugus Veterans Council and Retired U.S. Navy Capt., Steve Castinetti, praised the town for its recent updates.

“The hall has been in need of some serious work on the outside with paint and rotting wood, and the town just stepped up and did a great job. It looks outstanding,” Castinetti said.

According to the press release, “The town set aside nearly $30,000 to repoint the bricks for the Saugus Veterans War Monument.”

The monument is part of Veterans Park and is located at the corner of Central Street and Winter Street.

According to the press release, the Saugus Veterans Council will host a Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Park. Retired U.S. Navy Cpt. Douglas Peterson will be the keynote speaker for the event.

Crabtree is hoping to continue to focus on projects that will support veterans and the restoration of town facilities for the community.