The Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. station of the United States Postal Service, located in the 6th aldermanic district, is one of five offices slated for closure. A letter sent to the Postmaster General on Friday explains the five stations “are ALL located in Milwaukee ’s predominantly African American central city, and closing them or significantly reducing postal services would cause a disparate impact on one group (African Americans) and one geographical area.”
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and colleagues Aldermen Hines, Wade and Davis partnered to send a message to the United States Postal Service who recently announced the need to close various stations in their representative districts across Milwaukee. The study released by the USPS indicates potential closure of four stations in addition to the King facility: Hampton, Mid City, Parklawn and Teutonia. It is estimated more than 3400 post office box users will be displaced if the stations close.
Alderwoman Coggs said, “The USPS is currently considering these closings; we will solicit public input and continued discussions are scheduled to take place so it is very important that Milwaukee residents and legislators make it clear how disparate these proposed closings are.”
The Council members’ goal is to make the Postmaster General aware of the inequity and disservice that would come from closing central city postal hubs. “Access to the services of the United States Post Office is essential not just for mail delivery, but money orders, stamps, post office boxes, passports and so much more. Part of being a resident of Milwaukee is interacting with the post office.” Alderwoman Coggs said. “To make these basic services so hard to attain, particularly if one does not have available transportation to other facilities, can negatively impact individuals’ day to day lives.”
The Council members will continue to provide information on the mandatory public process the federal government is required to enact before closing any stations. There is a 60 day window to engage the process and enable public response and the Alderwoman is proposing legislative response to the situation which will also allow for testimony at the committee level before it goes to the full Council.