Council approves lease of small parcel in Lawrence Park for Legion Hall patio despite veterans’ concerns

The Lodi City Council on March 4 authorized the interim city manager to enter into a concession lease with Gulf Fuel Station LLC for approximately 5,400 square feet of Lawrence Park adjacent to the American Legion building, a staff presentation said.

Economic development director Luis Aguilar told council the lease would allow construction and maintenance of an enclosed dining and entertainment patio on the southern end of the park footprint to support the Legion Hall’s reuse as an event space. Staff said the proposed term was up to 15 years and that the tenant would be responsible for repairs and alterations; the resolution also includes reimbursement for city appraisal and outside legal fees paid to reach the current point.

The staff report said the city preserves ownership of the land under the lease and that the California Environmental and public‑input processes required for parks and memorial properties were followed in briefing the council.

Public comment was split. Ria Jones, identified from American Legion Post 22, urged council to prioritize the park and the memorial function of the building and voiced concern about whether the donor intent and community use would be preserved. "The memorial building is not just another structure," Jones told the council, urging preservation of the site as a veterans’ memorial and a community space. By contrast, Bridal Castro, president of Unidos Progresando, and other speakers including JP Doucette of the Lodi Chamber and Ryan Ranchod speaking for the Didi family (the project proponents) urged support for the renovation and said activation of the site would improve safety, bring economic activity and provide a community ballroom for events.

Council members discussed the site’s memorial status and the need to preserve public benefit. One council member said the city should establish a clearer, standardized process for future park leases and calculating public benefit versus property value; that council member voted no on the motion but acknowledged the item had majority support. The city attorney clarified that closed‑session negotiation details remained confidential but that the terms authorized for negotiation were included in the public packet.

Council later approved the resolution with an editorial correction to the station name in the resolution language. Staff said the park would remain a public amenity and that the public‑benefit requirements for any improvements would be enforced via the lease terms.

Next steps: staff will finalize the lease consistent with the approved resolution and the corrected station name, and proceed with execution through the interim city manager’s office.