September 4, 2017
We are sad to report that despite our community’s efforts to convince the USPS otherwise, the postal service has decided to move forward with the relocation, closure, and sale of our historic Downtown post office. Notice of this decision was made on August 10 via the posting of a letter addressed to Mayor Tom Butt to the front door of the post office.
Additionally, on August 21, USPS posted a notice stating that they are initiating the Section 106 process, which regulates the sale of historic buildings owned by the Federal government. As part of this process, a 30 day public comment period has been initiated and citizens may submit comments related to the adverse effects that this sale may have on this historic property. In addition to the notice, a packet of materials related to this finding are stated to be available at the post office for review. A PDF copy of this packet was sent to us and we have added it to our website.
Richmond Main Street will submit a letter, strongly communicating that the sale of the building will have a significant and fundamental adverse effect on its historic significance, as well as an adverse effect on our residents, workers, and business community.
We invite you to submit comments as well. Comments must be mailed to the following USPS representative and received no later than September 25, 2017:
Ann Sarver
Facilities Environment Specialist
6013 Benjamin Road, Suite 205
Tampa, FL 33634
ann.m.sarver@usps.gov
Finally, Richmond Main Street staff recently met with Mayor Tom Butt to discuss this decision and next steps. With permission, we share the following message that Mayor Tom Butt sent via his e-forum:
Despite media coverage…that appears to write a death warrant for the Richmond Main Post Office, this is still very much a work in progress. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and I are in negotiation with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) at the highest levels to find a solution that will be a win-win for both the USPS and the City of Richmond. Because of a number of regulatory review requirements, including Historic Preservation (NHPA 1016), Environmental Review (NEPA) and Intergovernmental Cooperation (IGN), there can be no sale for at least several months and perhaps as long as several years. The steps the USPS has taken, as alarming as they are, represent the beginning of a process, not the end of it. Among other things, USPS policy allows for a sale to state and local governments instead of competitive bidding. The USPS is also willing to allow the existing operation to remain at 1025 Nevin Avenue as long as it is economically attractive to the USPS. Rest assured that we are giving this our highest level of attention, and we are hoping for a successful outcome.
Tom Butt
For more information about this situation, including copies of the notices, letters of support from local leaders, news articles, and arguments to save the Richmond Main Post Office, please visit www.RichmondMainStreet.org.
We will do our very best to continue to advocate on behalf of the Richmond community and provide updates as they become available.
Huge thanks to everyone who attended the meetings, wrote letters, signed the petition, shared this story, and resisted this proposal.
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