Post office won’t be sold
Post office won't be sold
January 25, 2010
By: Tom Munds
Melba Franklin, Heidi Bockman and Joe Torres all smiled when they were told the U.S. Postal Service was no longer pursuing plans to sell the post office at 3300 S. Broadway.
Post office won't be sold
January 25, 2010
By: Tom Munds
Melba Franklin, Heidi Bockman and Joe Torres all smiled when theywere told the U.S. Postal Service was no longer pursuing plans to sellthe post office at 3300 S. Broadway.
"I live a couple blocks away and for years, have walked down there every day to get my mail," Franklin said as she and her friends chatted over coffee at the Breakfast Queen. "I enjoy the walk plus I meet with friends and we often go down the street to get a little something to eat. It's just what we do."
Her friends echoed her opinion.
"I am glad they aren't selling the building. Besides the fact it is convenient for so many of us, it is a great and historic building and a piece of our history we really shouldn't lose," Torres said. "A lot of my friends live in Orchard Place and Simon Center and they told me just about everyone who lives there is thrilled by the news we aren't losing our post office."
U.S. Postal Service representatives called Englewood officials to tell them of the decision not to pursue the sale.
"Our District Manager Selwyn Epperson received the objection to the sale from the people of Englewood, which included information about the limited parking and lack of access by public transportation," said Al DeSarro, U.S. Postal Office spokesman. "He assessed the data and made the decision not to pursue sale of the Broadway Post Office."
A call from the office of U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, also said the Broadway Post Officer was no longer being offered for sale.
The spokesman said that Rep. DeGette had been very involved with the process and had been a constantly strong voice relaying the concerns of her constituents about the possible sale and closing of the Broadway Post Office.
The postal service notified Englewood city officials in late December that the plan was to offer to sell the Broadway building. The reason given was the fact the Broadway facility was less than a mile from the more modern postal facility at 915 E. Leigh Ave. and added that all postal boxes and retail transactions would be transferred to that site. The notice also stated letters regarding the sale should be sent to the postal service not later than Jan. 15.
Almost immediately the city, businesses, local organizations, elected officials and residents began sending letter and e-mails opposing the sale. The letters pointed out the Broadway facility provided service to a great many elderly and handicapped residents and there was no bus route available if they wanted to go to the new post office.
Additionally, city officials pointed out there is very little parking at the Lehigh facility and there have been many complaints from areas about employees and customers parking in the neighborhood.
Englewood Mayor Jim Woodward signed a letter on behalf of the city council and the city departments opposing the proposal to sell the post office. The city also received and forwarded scores of letters voicing objections to the sale. The correspondence included a petition signed by about 175 Englewood residents opposing the move.