By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
The future of the O’Brien-Major VFW Post in Neptune is still uncertain with at least a couple of buyers interested in the Route 33 commercial property.
Peter Falvo, an Ocean Township attorney is representing a local group, 5E Enterprises, LLC, which is interested in purchasing the property.
Falvo said his client had a contract to buy the building and several surrounding properties, but during a title search they learned that there is a reverter clause on the deed that the building must go to another veteran’s group or non profit.
If no such group shows a desire to buy the property then it reverts to Neptune.
“We are trying to negotiate with the Township of Neptune,” Falvo said.
Falvo said because the town imposed the reverter clause they can revoke it.
“We are waiting for the next meeting,” he said.
Neptune Business Administrator Vito Gadaleta said that the Township Committee is well-aware of Falvo’s request but that no action has been taken on the matter.
“He made his pitch at the last meeting and that was it. There has been no action taken or further discussion thus far,” he said.
The Harold Daley VFW Post 1333 of Asbury Park has also expressed interest in buying the Neptune VFW site.
“I haven’t seen anything in writing,” Falvo said.
Falvo said his client made an offer to the Neptune VFW for its building and to the township for the surrounding properties, and are awaiting a decision by the Township Committee.
Robert Jameson, who is commander of the Harold Daley Post 1333 in Asbury Park, said it was his post that brought the deed restriction to the attention of the township.
“We went to their attorney,” he said.
Jameson said the Asbury Park VFW is waiting for the committee’s vote and will accept the decision, but is hoping the township will honor the deed as is.
“We have to wait, but we just want them to honor the reverter clause,” he said.
Jameson said the post has not yet put in an offer on the property and will not challenge the decision made by the committee if they decide to revoke the clause.
“No we won’t challenge it…we’re all veterans,” he said.
