Katonah, NY - It may be close to 80 years old, but the Katonah American Legion Post 1575 is looking better than ever, thanks to some major renovations, which were made possible through a $100,000 grant secured by New York State Senator Pete Harckham. 

The improvements significantly enhance the safety, functionality, and long-term viability of the historic Post, which has served generations of local veterans and their families and will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year.

“Our veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the places they gather, serve, and find community are well maintained and secure,” said Harckham, a longtime advocate for veterans and veterans organizations. “I am proud to have secured this funding, and even prouder to see the Legion revitalized through these critically needed renovations.”

The Katonah American Legion’s governing board formally approved the project scope and expenditures, citing the need for substantial upgrades to aging facilities last year. The renovations included a roof replacement, electrical upgrades, window replacement, interior reconstruction and restoration, and complete floor replacement.

Post Vice Commander Clark Petschek said, “On behalf of the members of Katonah American Legion Post 1575, we extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Pete Harckham for sponsoring the CREST grant that made it possible to complete critical renovations to our Post home. As we approach our 80th anniversary—we were chartered in 1946 and have proudly served the northern Westchester veteran community from this location since 1953—these much-needed upgrades ensure that our facility will continue to welcome and support veterans and their families for generations to come.”

Harckham’s record of legislative advocacy, grant support, and hands-on collaboration with veterans’ posts and service organizations spans years. His continued efforts have helped strengthen veteran programs, improve mental-health and housing resources, and secure vital funding for infrastructure, facilities, and community services.

The grant was funded through the New York State Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program.  Since taking office in 2019, Harckham has delivered more than $35 million in State Senate grant funding to municipalities, first responders and nonprofits in his 40th Senate District.