Postal service blocks more mailboxes in Sudden Valley

ISABELLE DILLS

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SUDDEN VALLEY - The U.S. Postal Service has blocked Sudden Valley's attempt to install three cluster mailboxes at Gates 3, 9 and 13.

A plan to install cluster mailboxes began in 2005 when the community voted to fund the project. Residents have been paying $35 a year for the project since 2006.

Two of the cluster mailboxes are already installed at Gates 2 and 5. But those who live at the other gates have to travel to the rotunda in Gate 1 to get their mail - a trip that can be more than a mile over steep roads.

| PHILIP A. DWYER | THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Dave Wareing, general manager of the Sudden Valley Community Association, says post office officials approved the initial installations, but problems arose when the last cluster mailboxes were set for construction.

According to the postal service, there was a misunderstanding.

The Bellingham postmaster, Scott Manier, spoke with the previous two postmasters. Both of them said there was no agreement to install cluster mailboxes in Sudden Valley, said Ernie Swanson, spokesman for the Seattle District of the Postal Service.

"[The Sudden Valley Community Association] took it upon themselves to purchase cluster mailboxes and install them," Swanson said. "But that's not how it works. They need our permission."

Swanson said Manier spoke with Wareing and cancelled the remaining mailbox purchases.

But Wareing said he still wants the project to move forward.

Sixty to 65 percent of the Sudden Valley population lives in Gates 3, 9 and 13, Wareing said. Installing the cluster mailboxes would make it easier for residents living in those gates to access their mail.

But it wouldn't make it easier for the Postal Service.

To serve Sudden Valley, a third postal worker would need to be hired and a third vehicle would have to be made available, neither of which the Postal Service can afford, Swanson said.

"We're under pressure to cut costs," Swanson said.

The Postal Service is also concerned about the steep roads in Sudden Valley. During inclement winter weather, it would be difficult for postal workers to get to the cluster mailboxes, Swanson said.

Manier suggested Sudden Valley create a second mailbox facility on Lake Louise Road for residents to collect their mail, Swanson said.

But zoning laws prevent a second facility from being conveniently located for residents, according to Russ Harlan, president of the Sudden Valley Board of Directors, in a letter he wrote July 28 to U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, requesting his help in solving the issue.

Wareing said the Sudden Valley Community Association wants to continue having a good relationship with the Postal Service but also wants to provide better services to residents.

"Our members have a right to expect reasonable mail delivery," Wareing said.