After over half a century at its current location, the United States Postal Service is proposing two potential options for the Deer Park Post Office to address the growing community’s needs. In accordance with federal law, the Postal Service is inviting public input on the proposal before finalizing its decision. However, the opportunity for citizens to share their feedback is quickly coming to an end.
It has been about 55 years since the Deer Park Post Office moved to its current location at 19 S Vernon Ave in August of 1970. This facility, originally designed to serve a population of just 1,295, now struggles to meet the needs of a city whose population has grown to over 5,000. The U.S. Postal Service has mailed a flyer to residents proposing two options for a new location, citing the current building’s inability to provide adequate space for modern demands. Residents are encouraged to submit comments during the 45-day feedback period.
The potential move comes as Deer Park adapts to its significant growth, reflected in expanded government services, additional city council members, and school bonds addressing capacity challenges. The history of the post office mirrors the city’s evolution.
Before its move to Vernon Avenue, the post office operated on First Street and Vernon Avenue, starting in 1959. Earlier locations included the ground floor of a hotel in 1937 and a public library room in the P. J. Kelly House in 1933. The original post office, established on Main Avenue, even endured a robbery in 1904
The proposal outlines two potential options within the 99006 Zip Code area:
First option: An additional building of approximately 3,500 square feet with 35 or more parking spaces that would be utilized along with the current Vernon location to provide the services to the community. One area would be for retail services, while the other would be used for distribution. They are looking for suggestions for location with an existing building for this option.
The second option is to completely move to one larger facility, which would be 6,000 square feet and have 53 or more parking spaces. In this option, the facility would be new and built to the USPS’s specifications.
The Postal Service states that both options aim to address the growing demand while maintaining or improving the level of service.
Residents and businesses in Deer Park are invited to share their feedback and suggestions on the proposal. Comments can be submitted via mail to the USPS at P.O. Box 27497, Greensboro, NC 27498-1103. The deadline for comments is February 18th, according to retail window staff at the post office.
Why The Notification and Next Steps
The Postal Service has a structured process for relocating retail services to a new or additional retail facility for a community. This includes temporary and long-term moves, so they have taken the first key step by notifying local officials and the community, seeking their input. After a 45-day comment period, the Postal Service will evaluate feedback and determine how to proceed, modify, or cancel the proposal. The process ensures community involvement, though it doesn’t alter the Postal Service’s compliance with other legal obligations. The Deer Park Post Office is basing the 45 days from when they put the notification into mailboxes on January 4th, 2025.
