Scranton residents encouraged to support PO in letters to USPS
The Scranton community has operated without a post office since late October 2018. While there are boxes located just off of Main Street, there is no office available to purchase a stamp or mail packages which has proven to be a inconvenience to local businesses and residents.
The United States Post Office closed the Scranton facility in 2018 when it determined the building was not up to USPS standards. Almost no notice was given to local residents. Since that time, the Scranton office has been served through Jefferson.
Postmaster Denise Abernathy was transferred to the Jefferson post office. She sorts mail and then delivers it to the Main Street boxes six days a week. She then goes to the Carroll post office to work.
On Friday, Feb. 12, Scranton USPS customers received an oversized post card advising “Potential Post Office Relocation Comment Period.”
The notification states in 2021, the USPS is “proposing to relocate the Scranton Main Office at 1020 Main Street. The USPS proposes moving to a space of approximately 800 square feet within three miles of the prior location.
“The proposed new facility will maintain the same level of service.”
Normally there would be a public meeting which would allow residents to make comments. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are invited to send comments on the proposal within 30 days to:
Attn: Scranton, IA – Main Office Relocation / United States Postal Service / P.O. Box 27497 / Greensboro, NC 27498-1103
What is unknown is the “same level of service”. Does that mean a continuation of the boxes? Or will there be an office staffed by Abernathy or another postal employee? There is no phone number listed and local postal officials have not been advised of the plans.
Scranton postal customers are strongly urged to make their wishes known. A sample letter is available here. It can be customized to suit each person’s need for the local post office.
The Scranton office of Peoples Bank has copies of the letter, envelopes and labels available for mailing.
It is suggested the letters should be mailed by March 1 to allow ample time for delivery.
“Now is the time to act before the USPS finalizes their plans without knowing the wants and needs of the Scranton community,” a local press release stated. ~ Courtesy of The Scranton Journal
