City Council moved forward on the acquisition of the James E. Mackie American Legion Post 499 on West Main Street, three months after authorizing $90,000 for the purchase.

The governing body last month approved a resolution (AR-180-19) authorizing the mayor to execute a discharge of mortgage for the building and property at 59-63 W. Main St.. The resolution unanimously was adopted at the combined pre-conference and regular meeting of the governing body held on Aug. 12.

The city had entered into a mortgage on Dec. 18, 1984 in the amount of $18,912, according to the resolution, with the deed recorded in the county clerk’s office on Dec. 27, 1984. “Pursuant to the city’s purchase of the premises and the need for the lien to be discharged of record to obtain a title insurance policy issued by Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, the mortgage should be discharged of record.”

Two ordinances were approved by City Council in May to acquire the West Main Street property. The first ordinance appropriated $90,000 and the second authorized the purchase of the property.

The city’s appraisal valued the property at $150,000 but “given the condition and anticipated rehabilitation costs, the parties have negotiated and agreed upon a purchase price of $77,500, subject to approval of Municipal Council. The property requires substantial rehabilitation based upon the fact that it has been vacant for a significant period of time and has fallen into a state of disrepair.” The two-story property is need of significant rehabilitation after being vacant for many years, according to the appraisal.

Rahway has a second American Legion Post on Maple Avenue. American Legion Post 5 has its monthly membership meeting on the third Thursday of every month at 8 p.m. The American Legion celebrates its centennial this year and Post 5 will host its Centennial Celebration on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Post 5 holds the fifth American Legion Charter in New Jersey.