The fate of the VA’s health clinic in Stamford remains up in the air. Veterans had expected to learn whether the clinic would stay open or close from the state’s top VA official on Tuesday.

Dr. Becky Rhoades, executive director for the Connecticut VA Healthcare System, met with Stamford veterans and the mayor at the government center, where she said there’s no decision yet.

“I think we're in the same position that we were. We don't know what we don't know,” said Stephen Fischer, commander of the Stamford Veterans Council, after the meeting. “We got vague answers, but according to Dr. Rhoades, she's limited in what she can say.”

The clinic has occupied space in the “Health Sciences Building” at 1275 Summer St. since 2005, providing critical help to about 1,400 veterans in southwestern Connecticut each year.

Rhoades said whether that continues will depend on lease negotiations, according to Fischer.

But the building’s property managers told News 12, they want the clinic to stay and offered to freeze the VA's rent for another five years just as they did the previous five.

“1275 Summer St. is owned by a long-time Stamford family whose members include veterans and active-duty military. The family has a history of dedication to Stamford area veterans, and in 2005, established this ideal first-floor medical space for this purpose. The family is committed to the VA’s continued success at 1275 Summer St. for any period the VA may choose—from 1 to 10 years—or longer,” said a statement from Jonathan Turner and Rich Kremheller, of Summer Street Properties, LLC.

Other incentives offered include a tenant-option to extend the lease for an additional five years when the upcoming five-year term ends and the right for the VA to unilaterally cancel its lease at any time with 12 months’ notice, according to Turner and Kremheller.

It’s unclear what the issue is in reaching an agreement.

“We don't know. That's part of the problem. We don't know what they're negotiating. The government has a standard lease, and apparently, they don't like or won't modify it so who knows now what they're saying the landlord has to do,” Fischer stated, adding the General Services Administration, not the VA, is handling the lease. “It’s very frustrating. The landlord has told us he wants us to stay there. I get the impression they [the VA] would like to stay there, and it's just getting the parties to negotiate and getting through the details.”

Thomas Patterson, senior vice commander of American Legion Post 3, has seen the clinic’s impact first-hand, as he’s worked with area veterans in need.

“I can't tell you the number of stories, the personal impact. We've had veterans in crisis whether it was suicide or just simply wanting to get health care,” Patterson explained.

If the clinic doesn't stay open, it could mean veterans would have to travel to West Haven or the Bronx for resources they deserve. Patterson worries the travel time will be an extra strain on veterans and some may just choose not to get the help they need and deserve.

“I've come across veterans just about every day that tell me that if this center closes, they're going to lose trust and faith in the VA healthcare system. And they said, ‘Tom, I'm not going to go to the VA. I’m not going to go to the doctor if I have to travel over an hour or wherever else to deal with traffic or stress just to get to an appointment,” Patterson recalled.

Fischer said Rhoades told them there are backup plans if the clinic closes, but she didn’t share what they are.

“I’d like to think they’re going to keep the clinic here,” Fisher said.

“We're fighting hard,” added Patterson.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, U.S. Sen. Dick Blumenthal and U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy have all pledged their support to helping try to keep the clinic open.