Charles Major Lyte Post 274A Parking Lot Grant Request

The only Black owned public building in the city of Beeville was the American Legion Hall Post 274A. After some discussion it was decided that the Lott Canada Alumni Association would take on the renovation project and use the hall as a base to operate from an effort to promote the physical and mental welfare of the elderly and youth of our community. Officers were elected and tax exemption was approved in July 19,1989.
Work on the American Legion was slow because of the difficulties in obtaining financial aid. During the early years of being a non-profit organization we made donations to the various churches bringing a little sunshine to the elderly and shut-in during the Christmas holidays.
In the last five years more focus has been made on the renovation project with the first effort of increasing our financial funds. This was done through collecting dues from Members, hosting fund raising events such as raffles and food plate sales etc., donation of tables, chairs, kitchen appliances etc. and money from private sector and grants. With these funds and many hours of volunteered help the building has been leveled, roof repairs and gutters were installed, exterior building was painted, windows replaced, sidewalk was repaired and tiled and was landscaped. Inside the wiring and plumbing were updated, new air conditioners and ceiling fans were added, floor was tiled, kitchen and bathrooms were remodeled with new appliances, blinds installed on all windows, and painted. Tables and chairs were donated along with the top of the line speaker system.
The building is used weekly by Senior Citizens as a place to gather for potlucks, play cards and to visit with old friends. In addition the hall rental contracts are increasing.
Our next immediate need is to improve our parking lot. The need is to remove existing asphalt and create an 80 by 64 Concrete parking lot with two entrance/exits 20 feet wide. This new parking lot will be an added feature for potential Hall Rentals thus increasing our income. In addition, the safety of our site would improve by reducing the potential slip and falls.
Three estimates are included in our submission. Our preferred contractor is G Cano Construction LLC who will remove the current asphalt and replace with 3/8 Rebar, 4 inches of concrete for an 80 X 64 parking lot with two 20 foot wide entrances. This improved parking lot will be an added feature to help rent the Hall thus increasing our income.
Please give our request every consideration. Thank you.