Postal cuts may affect 3 stations

There's no word on closures, but letters and notices have beenposted at three neighborhood post offices that announce "possiblechanges in the way postal services are provided." The locationsaffected are the Pony Express, Wyatt Park and Fairleigh substations.

"It's no surprise that one of the stations is the FairleighStation at 26th Street and Frederick Avenue," said Donald Hull, anarea resident. "They've been trying to kill it ever since I movedhere in 1983. Having the station here within walking distance is thereason I bought my house."

All three postal stations are located within a mile of the mainpost office Downtown but each serves a specific community andemployees know many customers on a first-name basis.

"Fairleigh anchors the business district at 26th and Frederick,"said Greg Eckels, whose barbershop is next door to the station. "Isaw Carl Norwood, the local postmaster, pull up to Fairleigh the dayafter the clerk went on vacation and tape a notice on the door."

The lengthy letter doesn't say the locations will "close." Itinforms customers of a "possible change in the way postal servicesprovided."

The notices refer to Eric Henry, an officer who supervises theSt. Joseph district. In the notice, Mr. Henry notes there has been a"work load decline." The notice also states "current economicconditions require that we review all postal operations foropportunities to streamline processes and provide more efficientservices."

Customers at Fairleigh are loyal.

"Fairleigh is the center of my morning routine," said Dee Graham,who has rented a box since 1989.

Ms. Graham uses the nearby pharmacy and cleaners, too.

Internet and downtown businessman W. Cole Woodbury has a box atFairleigh for his Felix Street Postcard business. "I ship itemsalmost every day from Fairleigh," Mr. Woodbury said.

Local attorney Tom Watkins has been doing business at Fairleighfor about 30 years. "The personnel are exceptional and the serviceis outstanding," he said.

Over the years, postal officials reduced the hours that a clerkwould staff Fairleigh station. Currently, the station window ismanned by a clerk from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 4 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. PonyExpress, on 10th Street, is only open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.weekdays. No hours are posted for window service at the Wyatt Parkstation.

Postal authorities recommend people use the new Eastside Stationat 3906 Oakland Ave. "You have to hunt to find the Eastsidestation," Mr. Hull said. Mr. Watkins says Eastside is crowded,doesn't have enough employees to cover the existing workload anddoesn't have enough rental boxes available.

Neither Mr. Norwood, the postmaster nor Mr. Henry were able to bereached in the offices Wednesday.

The public has until May 31 to give feedback on the possiblechanges. The post office is providing pre-paid envelopes to mail insurveys.