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Marcia Rodgers was the postmaster at the Brooke post office |
The Brooke post office may soon return to the rural Stafford community.
The question is where and when.
The original mail center off Brooke Road served customers for more than a century. But it closed in February when Postmaster Marcia Rodgers retired.
U.S. Postal Service officials are now exploring options for reopening the office. They discussed that process with nearly 30 area residents at a town hall meeting Wednesday.
Paul Frye, real estate specialist for the U.S. Postal Service, said a 30-day waiting period begins next week. His agency will seek local comment during that time.
If no one objects, he will solicit existing sites that can be converted into a post office. Frye said the ideal building will be about 700 square feet inside. The property it sits on should be about 14,000 square feet to give room for the necessary parking.
The previous outpost, which Rodgers owned, could be considered, Frye said. It was just big enough for 96 boxes and a small lobby. It would need repairs and handicap-accessibility upgrades.
"Everything is viable," he said.
The post office could make its comeback by the end of 2006, if all goes as planned.
Residents are thrilled with the opportunity.
"The bottom line is we want our post office back, and if someone can help us get it, that's great," said Sue Lambert, 68.
But many people are frustrated that the Postal Service was not more proactive in keeping a mail center open.
They have been using the Stafford Post Office, on U.S. 1 near Foreston Woods Drive, since the Brooke facility closed. It's about five miles farther away.
Carriers also come to residents' homes. But many elderly homeowners say they are afraid their mail will be stolen if they use a mailbox rather than a post office box.
Frye said his agency would discuss speeding up the process and installing a temporary drop box at a central location in Brooke.
"From what I gather they have the intention, wherewithal and the money to bring back our post office," said Supervisor Paul Milde, who represents the Brooke area. "I'm going to make sure they find a suitable facility."
Public comments about the Brooke post office can be made to Paul Frye at paul.s.
Email: frye@usps.gov or 336/605-3538.
To reach MEGHANN COTTER:
Email: mcotter@freelancestar.com
