Postal service changes course on mailbox move on Lower Burrell's Michigan Avenue

The U.S. Postal Service is rescinding a recent notice sent to residents of Lower Burrell’s Michigan Avenue that required them to move their mailboxes to the street by May 15.

Michigan Avenue residents received letters earlier this month from the New Kensington Post Office informing them that their mailboxes must be moved to the street in front of their houses on either side of the driveway “due to safety issues.”

That drew the ire of some residents.

But on Tuesday, Postal Service spokesman Mark Lawrence said the agency “will further evaluate this situation and we currently rescind our request to Michigan Avenue customers who were asked to relocate their mailbox.”

“Rescindment letters have not been sent to previously notified customers,” Lawrence said, “but further communication is expected soon.”

The original news that the mailboxes had to be moved didn’t sit well with Michigan Avenue resident Dave Riddle and some of his neighbors.

“I’ve been here 63 years on this street, and all of a sudden it’s an issue,” Riddle said before the Postal Service announced the change in plans.

The initial letter also raised more questions than answers, Riddle and his neighbors said.

Having the mailboxes and mail carriers on the road would be more of a safety issue, said Michigan Avenue resident Louise Rakar, because cars would weave around the mail delivery vehicle. She also said school buses drop off students on the road.

They also were concerned about residents who are elderly, handicapped or disabled having to walk from their home to the end of their driveway to retrieve mail.

The neighbors also disagreed with the post office’s claim about animal interference and “geographic visibility.” While they acknowledge people speed on the road, they say that’s something the post office should take up with the police, not the residents.

Riddle said he understands the safety and traffic issues the post office raised.

“They should have went to the police … but the buck was passed to us,” Riddle said.

Neil Silliman, a 42-year resident of Michigan Avenue, believed the street was being targeted.

“If everybody in Lower Burrell got it, I would have no problem. It’s not like we live on Wildlife Lodge (Road) or (in) Upper Burrell,” Silliman said, referring to less populated areas.

Riddle was pleased to learn about the Postal Service’s decision to step in and rescind the letter.

“That’s great,” he said. “They are making a more rational decision.”