NASHUA — An official from the local VFW — the largest VFW post in the state — is disputing rumors that the organization is shutting its doors, explaining the group is looking to possibly downsize.

“We are not closing, but we are considering some alternatives,” said Barry Palmer, commander of the Nashua VFW Post 483. “We are still in business.”

On Tuesday, Alderman Paul Chasse Jr. of Ward 6 told his fellow board members that the VFW will be closing its doors very shortly and that letters were recently sent out to members notifying them of the news.

“They just can’t make it,” Chasse told aldermen.

Palmer said that information is inaccurate, stressing the organization is still functioning and plans to continue operating for many years to come.

Within the past month, Palmer said members of the local VFW have expressed some interest in potentially downsizing from its large, three-story post now housed at 2 Quincy St.

“It is just too big for our needs and what we use it for,” said Palmer, explaining it has multiple rooms throughout the 14,000-square-foot building. The VFW took over the old house, which was originally built for Spanish-American war veterans sometime in the 1920s, according to Palmer.

When Palmer was chosen as the new commander in June, he said he began studying the finances and the daily operations of the post. Just like every business, it is always beneficial to keep a close eye on the needs and demands of various operations, and the VFW is no exception, he said.

Many businesses are struggling during this challenging economic time, and Palmer said it makes sense for the local VFW to use only what is necessary to function effectively as a group.

“Right now we have empty rooms that are great for storage, but nothing else,” he explained. “We have to look all of this stuff over.”

Currently, VFW Post 483 has about 420 members but three years ago it had close to 520 members, according to Palmer, adding many World War II veterans have died, and younger vets are not participating in numbers high enough to replace the older members.

The post is also utilized by the Men’s Auxiliary and Women’s Auxiliary, groups that frequently meet at the facility and host events.

“These are only discussions at this point, and it is still all very preliminary,” he stressed of the possible move, confirming that the organization could — in the future — possibly decide to relocate to another site if that makes sense for its members.

Greg Lynch, VFW Commander for the State of New Hampshire, said Wednesday that the Nashua VFW is not alone and that several posts statewide are trying to make the most during financial distress.

What is important, said Lynch, is that the Nashua VFW is committed to staying in Nashua and continuing its services despite the possible need to downsize.

“Everything is financially tight. We are all in a bind, and I know everyone is struggling,” said Lynch. “But they have the largest membership in the state, and they are a very strong post that does wonderful things. It is top notch.”

Local VFW posts are not identified by their facilities, stressed Lynch, explaining they operate as community organizations with a worthy cause to help veterans, troops and their families. He added that many VFW posts do not have their own buildings but utilize local facilities for their meetings and events.

“The canteen itself is secondary,” Lynch maintained. Currently, there are 49 VFW posts in New Hampshire, and 22 of them have their own canteens, he said.

Once rumors began spreading about the Nashua VFW downsizing, Palmer said a comment was made on a social media site that incorrectly stated the post had closed. About half of the foot traffic into the facility diminished recently because of the error, he said, adding the Quincy Street post is still open for lunch.

“At this point, no major decisions have been made about relocating,” Palmer said.

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Kimberly Houghton may be reached at khoughton@newstote.com.