Postal policies to affect new homes

Changes in residential mail delivery might be inconvenient for developers and homeowners, but a U.S. postal official said they're necessary to reduce expenses.

While the changes aren't likely to affect most customers, those moving into new subdivisions will definitely see a difference.

"Our policy has always been that we are supposed to find the most efficient and secure method of delivery, and we are to keep our costs down for our customers," said Sharon Goodwin, Alabama District Growth coordinator.

As a result, the Postal Service in December began enforcing policies that have been in place for several years, she said.

"One way we're doing that is by asking developers to install centralized delivery units," she said. "This is going on all over the nation, not just Alabama."

A centralized delivery unit would be similar to what is used to hold mail at an apartment complex.

It would be placed in an area of the new development, possibly at the entrance, Goodwin said.

Each resident would have a box that can be locked. There is also a compartment for outgoing mail and a locker to receive larger packages, Goodwin said.

"One of the reasons for the centralized delivery units is they offer security, especially in today's environment where identity theft is such a growing crime across our nation," she said.

The Postal Service will save money because the carrier will not have to drive to each house in the subdivision. That will also reduce fuel costs and reduce the chance of traffic accidents, Goodwin said.

She said other options include putting up a post on the property line that can hold two mailboxes. In some cases, developers might have to put all mailboxes on the same side of the road so a mail carrier only has to travel through once.

"It's not that we're trying to take anything away from homebuilders or their customers," Goodwin said. "We want to provide security."

Muscle Shoals developer Robert Eaton said he expects some resistance to the regulations.

"Like anything else, when there's change, there's opposition and resistance," Eaton said. "I'm sure they've dealt with all this before."

Goodwin said developers are supposed to contact their postmaster to discuss delivery options in new developments.

Eaton said building a central box unit would require the developer to set aside property for the unit and also a place for residents to pull in, park and get their mail.

Goodwin said the Postal Service has received complaints from developers and city officials about the new regulations. Among the complaints she heard came from her mother.

"Mom's moving into a new development and she's complained," Goodwin said. "I'm not the most favored daughter."

Hillard Matthews, president of Lauderdale Homes in Florence, said the regulations will present some challenges to developers and the public.

"My main concern is what effect it would have on the older population and the disabled," Matthews said.

Lauderdale Homes recently completed two subdivisions in the Florence area, Cedar Park and Old Hickory.

"It has not been an issue at this point in our area," Matthews said.

He said the public has come to expect mail delivery to their homes.

"For a possibly small savings to the Postal Service, it would be a large inconvenience to the public," he said.

Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@-timesdaily.com.