July 25, 2006

Russell E. Rainey

United States Postal Service

160 Inverness Dr. West – Suite 400

Englewood, CO  80112-5005

Selwyn Epperson

United States Postal Service

300 W. Pershing Road – Suite 210

Kansas City, MO  64108-9001

Re: Lawrence, Kansas U.S. Post Office Distribution Center

Dear Mr. Rainey and Mr. Epperson:

The Lawrence, Kansas community has always enjoyed a strong, beneficial relationship with the United States Postal Service.  The current distribution and retail facility located at 7^th and Vermont in Lawrence’s vibrant and historic downtown has also served our community well for several decades.  As the USPS considers possible relocation of the 7^th and Vermont facility, we appreciate your thoughtful consideration of the views of the Lawrence City Commission.

The Lawrence City Commission views the continued operation of a retail postal service facility in our downtown as essential to the vibrancy of our downtown.  The Commission’s position on the relocation of the distribution portion of the current facility is contingent upon the continued operation of a full-service retail postal service facility in our downtown.  Such a facility must continue to include post office boxes, and staffed retail sales for mailing items, receiving items, and postage sales. Based only on such continued strong retail presence of the USPS in our downtown, the Lawrence City Commission will not oppose the relocation of the distribution facility outside of the downtown area. We understand that the USPS is considering improvements to the USPS facility at 7^th and Vermont which may be avoided if the facility would be relocated.    Proposals for the possible re-use of the current 7^th and Vermont facility could add additional retail, residential, office and parking uses which could benefit our downtown. As the USPS evaluates possible relocation of the distribution facility – and possible relocations for the downtown retail facility- the Commission furthers urges the USPS to work with our Planning Department as they evaluate these proposals.  Please feel free to contact Sheila Stogsdill, Interim Planning Director, at 785-832-3157 for assistance on this matter.

Your consideration of the views of the Lawrence City Commission concerning these issues is appreciated. 

Sincerely,

Mike Amyx

Mayor

Cc:            City Commission

                  David Corliss, Interim City Manager

                  Sheila Stogsdill, Acting Planning Director

                  Jarmin Smith, USPS

                  Judy Raney, USPS