After months of speculation, Albertson’s is a major step closer to reopening in East Bremerton. The Boise-based chain’s only Bremerton store closed after the roof collapsed in 1996 during a severe winter storm.

Powell Development of Kirkland has successfully negotiated to buy a number of properties adjacent to the intersection of Wheaton Way and Sheridan Road, including acceptance of a $1.6 million offer it made to the Bremerton School District for the site of the 45 year old Bremerton Junior High.

American Legion Post 68 is the latest property owner to agree to a sale with Powell. It already has agreements with four other property owners including those that own the land on which Maria’s Taco Shop, Tim Quigley Insurance and Millie’s Costumes sit.

The American Legion was the final puzzle piece Powell needed to move forward with the project once all the sale contract contingencies are satisfied. Among those contingencies are approval of site plan and issuance of a building permit by the City of Bremerton.

The American Legion property at Sheridan Road and Spruce Avenue wasn’t under contract at presstime, but Legion members have voted to approve the sale of the nearly one-acre lot for an undisclosed amount. The Legion has made plans to relocate its offices, bingo hall and a lounge to another area in East Bremerton but hasn’t settled on a site.

Powell plans for the city to have a site plan under review within 30 days and construction to get underway in the summer of 2001.