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Giving Post 89 Second Chance

Let us not forget that the private club Wheeling officials have agreed to consider declaring a public nuisance is not just any organization. It is owned by American Legion Post 89.

These are men and women who served our country, sometimes risking their lives in the process.

During a public hearing Tuesday, the city’s proposal to have the Post 89 bar at 1419 Jacob Street closed was discussed at length. Municipal officials have said the establishment is a public nuisance because of the amount of illegal activity that appears to have originated among its patrons.

Post 89 loyalists have argued they cannot control what the bar’s patrons do after they leave the premises.

On Tuesday night, they pledged to go the extra mile. “We realize there are some major problems there,” Post 89 Commander Ralph Edwards said during the hearing. “We are going to eliminate them.”

Edwards explained the bar’s former manager has resigned. Post members have selected James Martin, a Vietnam War veteran, as the new manager.

Martin volunteered to meet with City Manager Robert Herron and Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger to “formulate a plan” aimed at addressing concerns about the bar.

In addition, new rules are being implemented. The bar will close by midnight or 1 a.m. instead of the former 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. times, city officials were told. Only American Legion members and their guests will be permitted inside. Certain patrons will be barred entirely.

City officials were reluctant to pursue the public nuisance declaration, for various reasons. One is their reluctance to interfere with a private business. Another is that they are mindful of Post 89’s historic appeal to black veterans.

Concern about the bar’s effect on public safety in East Wheeling is genuine.

But Post 89 members deserve an opportunity to address complaints. They should be granted time to show what they can do.

City officials should bear this in mind: Post 89 officials are asking only for a second chance. Veterans who served our country have earned it.

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