Mayoral candidate Tom Iacobucci today proposed transforming the Chain Bridge Visitors' Center into a regional veterans' center.

The "Smith's Chain Bridge Filling Station #3" building was restored five years ago using state and local funds. The Town originally expected to use the building as a visitors center; but three years ago a different visitors center in downtown Amesbury was planned as part of the Millyard projects.

The Municipal Council is currently considering a resolution from Mayor David Hildt to designate 29 Water Street as the Town's official Visitors Center, instead.

"This building was just restored, and now it is sitting idle," Iacobucci said. "I would like to see it put to good use as a regional veterans center, and as Mayor, I will work with our local veterans to make sure that happens."

The site is covered by a preservation restriction, which is a deed restriction that limits what can be done with the property in the future.

"The veterans in this region need a place of their own: a place to meet, a place to go when they need help with government services. There is no local VFW Hall, no DAV facility. Smith's Filling Station could fill that need," Iacobucci said. "The building should be used. If it is left vacant, it is going to deteriorate again. The way I see it, veterans need a building of their own, and the building needs people in it. It is a good solution."

"I would like to see it become a regional facility for veterans, particularly since the state and federal governments are encouraging regionalization and cooperation between municipalities," Iacobucci said.
Amesbury's Veterans Agent, Ron Koontz, also serves as the part-time veterans agent for the Town of Merrimac.

"Once the site is designated, then our Veterans agent can look into regional service agreements and federal and state veterans' services monies to make this into a permanent home for the region's veterans," Iacobucci said. Each year, the state legislature funds veterans' service facilities throughout
the state, but there is no service facility in the immediate region.

"The site needs some work," Iacobucci said. "It needs heat, it needs to have plumbing issues fixed, and it needs a handicapped-accessible restroom. But it also has potential. It has the potential to be a permanent 'home' for our regions' veterans. With a little initiative, some hard work and commitment, we could make this work.