Update: USMMA Alumni Association Eviction on Hold

Update: A federal judge has granted a stay on any eviction until a ruling is made May 6, according to USMMAAF. 

Marking a bitter end to a longstanding tradition, the U.S. Merchant Marine Alumni Association & Foundation was officially evicted from campus Tuesday.

In November, newly appointed USMMA Superintendent James Helis informed the alumni organization that their Babson Center space will be needed once classroom renovations begin on the building. A June 30 deadline was set for eviction. Earlier this month, Helis moved the deadline up to April 30.

"Additional funding allowed us to move up our plans for this space, including updating the heating and air conditioning systems in preparation for building new classrooms," said Helis, in a statement last week. "In four months, the foundation declined to pay rent or work with us in good faith to find an acceptable alternative."

The alumni offices have been located on academy grounds since 1957 at no rental cost in exchange for the support it provides the academy.

The foundation claims USMMA officials have not adequately helped them with their relocation efforts.

"This was a startling announcement by a new superintendent against an organization which had deep, positive relationships with the 11 superintendents who preceded him," said the AAF's all-volunteer board in a statement on its website.

Options for the now-homeless foundation include off campus rental space or possible housing in the nearby Lerner House which the AAF purchased four years ago.

The AAF has not gained approval from the Village of Kings Point to rezone the Lerner House property for commercial use. 

The academy has opted to stay out of the rezoning issue with the village.

"The academy values its relationship with both its alumni and the Kings Point community and believes this issue is best resolved between the two involved parties, but we cannot put our plans on hold in the expectation that it will be resolved after four years," said Helis.

While the Lerner Center is undergoing permitting and construction, alumni organization officials have suggested that Melville Hall, closed six months ago, could be used as a temporary office space.

"Putting temporary offices in Melville Hall is a win-win, as it provides the AAF office space, while reactivating a building which is needed for homecoming, events, weddings, award ceremonies," said the AAF last week.

Needed renovations will soon be scheduled for Melville Hall and a contractor for weddings, parties and alumni events at the location will soon be named, according to USMMA officials.

A $60,000 per year yearly rent offer from the alumni organization was declined by USMMA.

"The foundation’s response arrived after the academy’s deadline and included several clauses unacceptable to the academy, including sole rights to the property for the next 10 years," said Helis. "The academy will not agree to a lease that removes federal property from its control."

Helis said it was "disappointing" that a better resolution was not reached. He said the academy "deeply values" its relationship with all Kings Point alumni.