So how do we change how this place functions without saying we don’t want it there because not too long ago we thought this location might close and I’m not certain about this, but our man in Congress –@Repbobbyscott — may have helped keep it open. I am so glad it’s there, but think it could and should be much better.
very good at delivering dominion,Comcast, city bills and coupons .yet, last week it took 6 days for a letter from D.C.to arrive first class. ” Slow as molasses in the wintertime”
@10 Alli: a couple of months ago, I needed to mail stuff and went out to the post office off Wmbg. Rd. The woman who waited on me was wonderful, so I made some remark about how I wished she’d come to the 25th St. post office. She said heck no, but if we have problems with it we need to write to our Senator, TIm Kaine.
Reading your post, I’m now thinking that writing to BOTH of them, and attaching a link to this photo of out to lunch, might be a good idea. If you want to start with a suggested email, I’ll be glad to copy and send and also to suggest to friends/neighbors that they do the same.
That whole Post Office complex– especially the parking lot — is an absolute waste of valuable real estate. And, when one considers that our mail delivery actually comes from the Post Office off Williamsburg Rd. (near Laburnum), it becomes even more obvious that the PO property can become so much more.
Just imagine, if the Post Office building is torn down, what could go into that expanse of space between in old theater and the COGIC church at 25th and Marshall (yes, tear down the Sarafran building and the one next to the Church). Retail, offices, apartments, and, yes, a new, up to date Post Office could all be developed to benefit the entire community.
#11, Carolyn…as a result of one of our neighbors making the post office an issue on MPACT/SeeClickFix, the post office on 25th is in the process of cleaning up…blinds off and soon to be replaced, and windows washed, and maybe other fixes. (See Issue # 1429056.) Of course the city closed the MPACT issue almost immediately stating that since the post office was a state-owned and operated facility (yes, that’s really why the city closed that issue), the city could take no action…but by then the MPACT site had acted as conduit between neighbors so that the original complainant actually got hold of a USPS person who was very responsive and thus the actions currently underway. As for the rest of it, about 300 people gathered at that PO in 2011 when D.C. threatened to close the site down, a crowd and response that surprised the hell out of the people who came down from Washington – to the point where we still have the PO open. If it shuts down, the chances of another facility being built to replace it are slim to none. So for all its shortcomings, I hope we can keep the place open: http://chpn.net/news/2011/07/29/east-end-post-office-may-be-on-chopping-block_18760/
I like having a post office on 25th street and think many Church Hill residents without cars like it too. Often there is a substantial wait in line but I always have had good clerks. The floors generally are kept clean but ceiling tiles and interior walls and exterior paint are in terrible condition. Writing to the Senators is a good idea. Thanks.
The Post Office leases this location from a private owner and has a contract. Also, this no longer is a delivery location (mail is not sorted and delivered from here) but is only a walk-up window and PO Box location (and holds undelivered mail or special delivery). The Capitol Station location near 6th and Main went to this status as well after everything went to the Sandston processing plant. Yes, the same plant that was cited as the worst in the country when they were found to hold bins of mail undelivered for months!
They’re nice in there but I gave up going to that PO about 2 years ago. Much of the business is stamp & money order purchases, which can be accomplished at the Market. That being said, I think Church Hill should continue to have a PO–there are many people who can’t drive to the one off of Williamsburg Road, and I think the next closest location is the one mentioned by Eric. Being able to walk between the bank, the post office, and the East End Annex is a pretty good thing and in face crucial for many people in the neighborhood.
Logistically it would be cool if it could actually be embedded as a kiosk or something inside the East End Annex, but that’s probably not possible.
@23 Eric, actually they DO sort and deliver mail from there. I have personal knowledge that they do, since I had a problem with a magazine subscription.I live at 26th and Broad, and my mail is sorted and delivered from that location.
Agree completely with everyone who says we need a station here. The on on Main is between 7th and 8th, and out Wmbg. Rd. is beyond walking distance.
I’m definitely in agreement that we need a station here. For the record, I have NO problems with my home delivery and have an excellent postal worker that is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. I just have an issue with the service at the post office including the wait, welcoming (typically not) attitude, and the conditions of the facility. I did complain once and got through to someone who took the complaint seriously. If I were you, I recommend you do the same any time you have an issue. Mine are just issues in general and not as specific as the photo.
It is NOT time to shut down this post office! There are people in this area that really depend on this post office branch and the services it provides, however poor and unattractive those services may be. I’ve had my mail stolen a couple of times so I got a PO box at this location and I had to wait THREE MONTHS for one to open up. I think this post office is very poorly managed and its overall condition is deplorable but I do strongly believe that Church Hill proper needs at least a hub where people can mail packages and certified mail, get money orders, have PO boxes, etc. i could live without this branch – I could get a locking mail box to secure my mail – but there are people in this area that would face real hardship if this branch closed. I fought the closure of this location before and I would fight it again.
I wonder if they would let a group of ud clean and paint the post office for them like wr do with mulching and cleaning up the parks. I would don’t a gallon of pain’t and the time to put it on.
Speaking as one who relies solely on public transportation, I’m thrilled to have a post office that is only one bus ride plus about 4 blocks walk to get to. Going to Highland Springs is much further for me. So I am very much in favor of this location. Cosmetics is waaay down on the priority list.
I’ve actually had a great experience with the Post Office itself – friendly, helpful, professional staff. I’m surprised to see this sign.
My experience with the postal delivery service has been more spotty though. Some of the delivery folks are good. But I’ve seen some in the neighborhood who don’t even wear their uniform – which has to be a violation of some sort (like a dude in sweat pants and gym clothes carrying the mail bag and making deliveries).
Also, I’ve seen some delivery folks who won’t use the sidewalk but instead just walk across people’s front lawns – apparently because doing so reduces the number of steps they have to go up and down. This seems very poor.
Finally, if you ever put a “hold mail” request in, well, good luck with that.
Keep in mind that though that the USPS is losing money like crazy and looking at post offices to close – this was one that was considered for closure a few years ago. Depending on how folks go about complaining over this sort of thing, we could end up losing the post office altogether, which I personally think would be a big loss to the neighborhood and home values, etc.
Several years ago I made an effort to get help about this building’s horrific condition and was told you can’t force the issue on a federal building. However, I told them it was leased and the then postmaster there wanted help from anyone as he had tried to get the building fixed. Apparently there was a leak in the roof…good combo with bins of mail. I don’t know why they can’t do something about a deadbeat landlord, he has nothing to do with the federal government.
I was in line the other day and heard the nice man say to the person they don’t sort mail there any more and the person would have to wait until the next day.
I have also filed numerous complaints on line. It resulted in me getting a 6 page questionaire to complete about every 3 months. But unless we find a different avenue to address the problem they have it on the short list to close it, which would be a shame for local residents.
I think that bringing Cynthia Newbille into this would be the best way to try to get something done. Her 7th district meetings are quarterly, I think. The last one was at the end of Januar, so there should be one at the end of April. In the meantime, her email address is Cynthia.Newbille@Richmondgov.com. One more thought neighbors: If this post office closed, we would play hell getting another one. Even if you don’t use it yourself, please remember that there are other people in this area that need the services this branch provides.
If the complain is about an employee or service then you need to contact the UPSP (good luck on that) or State/Government. If it is about the building physically then contact the building owner.
Take a look at the floors in the PO. The floors alone make me question the logic of tearing that building down. Does anyone w/a background in architecture know anything about the architect & what the floors are made of? The floors suggest (to me) this mid-century building deserves to be preserved, not to mention the jobs of the few people who work in it & the customers who rely on it. I know my 98-year old friend would be really inconvenienced if it closed.
@45. The floors in the Post Office are terrazzo…nothing amazing or special. They also can be seen in every WaWa in America. They’re used in many public/commercial spaces because they’re long lasting and can be repeatedly refinished. These floors are commonly used in southern/tropical climates.
I just think the free color is beautiful & have never really looked closely at terrazo floors before, which makes sense considering all the time I’ve spent standing in line @ the east end post office. I guess there is jist no accounting fer taste, huh Ray?
While my taste is being questioned I’d like to ask something that has always confused me about those claiming to appreciate architecture & preservation – if most CH preservationists are interested in preserving vernacular structures along with the homes of “high” design and the East End PO is a good example of 1950’s vernacular architecture, wouldn’t the architectural preservationists include the PO in their preservation efforts?
Seems like some preservationists in thr neighborhood would only preserve structures built before a certain date. Am I wrong?
While the PO is one of a handful of post-war buildings constructed in our neighborhood that shouldn’t change a preservationists’ interest in preserving the building.
Now I’m going to rant & apologize in advance but the limitsd Considering the number of ridiculous Frankensteined-freaks of new infill that has passed muster w/CAR for “blending” into the existing environment. Please. Why can’t all of our infill be modern instead of poor reproductions of 19th century homes. The infill we have now is not modern design. It’s not even good design. Please, take a look at Dwell Magazine & you will see what I’m talking about. Modern works in historic neighborhoods. Look at Dwell Magazine & locally 501 Design Build, BAM Architects, SMWB & architects like Chris Fultz & Burt Pinnock.(there are many more I can’t remember &. name. I apologize & hope some other lovers of modern design will chime in)
So how do we change how this place functions without saying we don’t want it there because not too long ago we thought this location might close and I’m not certain about this, but our man in Congress –@Repbobbyscott — may have helped keep it open. I am so glad it’s there, but think it could and should be much better.
Hours: 9(ish)AM – (probably before)5PM
very good at delivering dominion,Comcast, city bills and coupons .yet, last week it took 6 days for a letter from D.C.to arrive first class. ” Slow as molasses in the wintertime”
@10 Alli: a couple of months ago, I needed to mail stuff and went out to the post office off Wmbg. Rd. The woman who waited on me was wonderful, so I made some remark about how I wished she’d come to the 25th St. post office. She said heck no, but if we have problems with it we need to write to our Senator, TIm Kaine.
Reading your post, I’m now thinking that writing to BOTH of them, and attaching a link to this photo of out to lunch, might be a good idea. If you want to start with a suggested email, I’ll be glad to copy and send and also to suggest to friends/neighbors that they do the same.
That whole Post Office complex– especially the parking lot — is an absolute waste of valuable real estate. And, when one considers that our mail delivery actually comes from the Post Office off Williamsburg Rd. (near Laburnum), it becomes even more obvious that the PO property can become so much more.
Just imagine, if the Post Office building is torn down, what could go into that expanse of space between in old theater and the COGIC church at 25th and Marshall (yes, tear down the Sarafran building and the one next to the Church). Retail, offices, apartments, and, yes, a new, up to date Post Office could all be developed to benefit the entire community.
have you ever been to a federal prison?
Has anyone sent this picture to the post master general?
I like the way you think Ray… But it’s way too sane to ever happen.
#11, Carolyn…as a result of one of our neighbors making the post office an issue on MPACT/SeeClickFix, the post office on 25th is in the process of cleaning up…blinds off and soon to be replaced, and windows washed, and maybe other fixes. (See Issue # 1429056.) Of course the city closed the MPACT issue almost immediately stating that since the post office was a state-owned and operated facility (yes, that’s really why the city closed that issue), the city could take no action…but by then the MPACT site had acted as conduit between neighbors so that the original complainant actually got hold of a USPS person who was very responsive and thus the actions currently underway. As for the rest of it, about 300 people gathered at that PO in 2011 when D.C. threatened to close the site down, a crowd and response that surprised the hell out of the people who came down from Washington – to the point where we still have the PO open. If it shuts down, the chances of another facility being built to replace it are slim to none. So for all its shortcomings, I hope we can keep the place open: http://chpn.net/news/2011/07/29/east-end-post-office-may-be-on-chopping-block_18760/
I like having a post office on 25th street and think many Church Hill residents without cars like it too. Often there is a substantial wait in line but I always have had good clerks. The floors generally are kept clean but ceiling tiles and interior walls and exterior paint are in terrible condition. Writing to the Senators is a good idea. Thanks.
The Post Office leases this location from a private owner and has a contract. Also, this no longer is a delivery location (mail is not sorted and delivered from here) but is only a walk-up window and PO Box location (and holds undelivered mail or special delivery). The Capitol Station location near 6th and Main went to this status as well after everything went to the Sandston processing plant. Yes, the same plant that was cited as the worst in the country when they were found to hold bins of mail undelivered for months!
It’s a joke at our house. We have filed so many complaints to the Post Master General. I have many stories to tell.
They’re nice in there but I gave up going to that PO about 2 years ago. Much of the business is stamp & money order purchases, which can be accomplished at the Market. That being said, I think Church Hill should continue to have a PO–there are many people who can’t drive to the one off of Williamsburg Road, and I think the next closest location is the one mentioned by Eric. Being able to walk between the bank, the post office, and the East End Annex is a pretty good thing and in face crucial for many people in the neighborhood.
Logistically it would be cool if it could actually be embedded as a kiosk or something inside the East End Annex, but that’s probably not possible.
@23 Eric, actually they DO sort and deliver mail from there. I have personal knowledge that they do, since I had a problem with a magazine subscription.I live at 26th and Broad, and my mail is sorted and delivered from that location.
Agree completely with everyone who says we need a station here. The on on Main is between 7th and 8th, and out Wmbg. Rd. is beyond walking distance.
I’m definitely in agreement that we need a station here. For the record, I have NO problems with my home delivery and have an excellent postal worker that is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. I just have an issue with the service at the post office including the wait, welcoming (typically not) attitude, and the conditions of the facility. I did complain once and got through to someone who took the complaint seriously. If I were you, I recommend you do the same any time you have an issue. Mine are just issues in general and not as specific as the photo.
Time to shut it down. It’s torture every time I go there. Which I only do if I absolutely have to.
Eric is right, crd.
Our mail trucks come from the PO off Williamsburg Rd. near Laburnum.
The loading dock in back of the 25th street Post Office hasn’t been used in years to load mail.
I’ve never felt unsafe in a post office before coming to this one.
It is NOT time to shut down this post office! There are people in this area that really depend on this post office branch and the services it provides, however poor and unattractive those services may be. I’ve had my mail stolen a couple of times so I got a PO box at this location and I had to wait THREE MONTHS for one to open up. I think this post office is very poorly managed and its overall condition is deplorable but I do strongly believe that Church Hill proper needs at least a hub where people can mail packages and certified mail, get money orders, have PO boxes, etc. i could live without this branch – I could get a locking mail box to secure my mail – but there are people in this area that would face real hardship if this branch closed. I fought the closure of this location before and I would fight it again.
I wonder if they would let a group of ud clean and paint the post office for them like wr do with mulching and cleaning up the parks. I would don’t a gallon of pain’t and the time to put it on.
That Post Office building is a blight.
Like I said, in #17, tear it down and redevelop that whole stretch of real estate which currently adds virtually NOTHING to our community.
And, yes, an up to date, respectable Post Office could be part of the mix.
It’s a joke. Get rid of it.
Speaking as one who relies solely on public transportation, I’m thrilled to have a post office that is only one bus ride plus about 4 blocks walk to get to. Going to Highland Springs is much further for me. So I am very much in favor of this location. Cosmetics is waaay down on the priority list.
I’ve actually had a great experience with the Post Office itself – friendly, helpful, professional staff. I’m surprised to see this sign.
My experience with the postal delivery service has been more spotty though. Some of the delivery folks are good. But I’ve seen some in the neighborhood who don’t even wear their uniform – which has to be a violation of some sort (like a dude in sweat pants and gym clothes carrying the mail bag and making deliveries).
Also, I’ve seen some delivery folks who won’t use the sidewalk but instead just walk across people’s front lawns – apparently because doing so reduces the number of steps they have to go up and down. This seems very poor.
Finally, if you ever put a “hold mail” request in, well, good luck with that.
Keep in mind that though that the USPS is losing money like crazy and looking at post offices to close – this was one that was considered for closure a few years ago. Depending on how folks go about complaining over this sort of thing, we could end up losing the post office altogether, which I personally think would be a big loss to the neighborhood and home values, etc.
Sorry, folks, but it’s this post office or no post office — unless you want to spend time and gas driving elsewhere.
neighbor… like I said, the PO leases the building and think on a 10-year cycle? It is in poor condition but built in 1957 with an addition in 1968.
The current owner is listed as:
ASSET TEN THREE O FIVE LLC
123 GROVE AVE STE 222
CEDARHURST, NY 11516
Several years ago I made an effort to get help about this building’s horrific condition and was told you can’t force the issue on a federal building. However, I told them it was leased and the then postmaster there wanted help from anyone as he had tried to get the building fixed. Apparently there was a leak in the roof…good combo with bins of mail. I don’t know why they can’t do something about a deadbeat landlord, he has nothing to do with the federal government.
I was in line the other day and heard the nice man say to the person they don’t sort mail there any more and the person would have to wait until the next day.
I have also filed numerous complaints on line. It resulted in me getting a 6 page questionaire to complete about every 3 months. But unless we find a different avenue to address the problem they have it on the short list to close it, which would be a shame for local residents.
I think that bringing Cynthia Newbille into this would be the best way to try to get something done. Her 7th district meetings are quarterly, I think. The last one was at the end of Januar, so there should be one at the end of April. In the meantime, her email address is Cynthia.Newbille@Richmondgov.com. One more thought neighbors: If this post office closed, we would play hell getting another one. Even if you don’t use it yourself, please remember that there are other people in this area that need the services this branch provides.
If the city thinks this is a state issue shouldn’t we contact our state representatives?
Rosalyn Dance – district16@senate.virginia.gov
Jennifer McClellan – DelJMcClellan@house.virginia.gov
Post Office = Federal issue.
Contact Bobby Scott, Tim Kaine, or Mark Warner(even though Jenn McClellan and Rosalyn Dance are both great!)
If the complain is about an employee or service then you need to contact the UPSP (good luck on that) or State/Government. If it is about the building physically then contact the building owner.
Take a look at the floors in the PO. The floors alone make me question the logic of tearing that building down. Does anyone w/a background in architecture know anything about the architect & what the floors are made of? The floors suggest (to me) this mid-century building deserves to be preserved, not to mention the jobs of the few people who work in it & the customers who rely on it. I know my 98-year old friend would be really inconvenienced if it closed.
@45. The floors in the Post Office are terrazzo…nothing amazing or special. They also can be seen in every WaWa in America. They’re used in many public/commercial spaces because they’re long lasting and can be repeatedly refinished. These floors are commonly used in southern/tropical climates.
Just about very old ABC store also had terrazzo floors, Laura. I don’t have any idea why mary anne thinks that’s such a big deal.
I just think the free color is beautiful & have never really looked closely at terrazo floors before, which makes sense considering all the time I’ve spent standing in line @ the east end post office. I guess there is jist no accounting fer taste, huh Ray?
While my taste is being questioned I’d like to ask something that has always confused me about those claiming to appreciate architecture & preservation – if most CH preservationists are interested in preserving vernacular structures along with the homes of “high” design and the East End PO is a good example of 1950’s vernacular architecture, wouldn’t the architectural preservationists include the PO in their preservation efforts?
Seems like some preservationists in thr neighborhood would only preserve structures built before a certain date. Am I wrong?
While the PO is one of a handful of post-war buildings constructed in our neighborhood that shouldn’t change a preservationists’ interest in preserving the building.
Now I’m going to rant & apologize in advance but the limitsd Considering the number of ridiculous Frankensteined-freaks of new infill that has passed muster w/CAR for “blending” into the existing environment. Please. Why can’t all of our infill be modern instead of poor reproductions of 19th century homes. The infill we have now is not modern design. It’s not even good design. Please, take a look at Dwell Magazine & you will see what I’m talking about. Modern works in historic neighborhoods. Look at Dwell Magazine & locally 501 Design Build, BAM Architects, SMWB & architects like Chris Fultz & Burt Pinnock.(there are many more I can’t remember &. name. I apologize & hope some other lovers of modern design will chime in)
P.S. I love the “green” terrazo floors in the post office. I am using my phone’s keyboard so forgive me for my poorly written post.