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Sylva PO looks for new home
By Carey Phillips
A little over four years after the project was put on hold, plans for a new Sylva Post Office appear to be back on track.
The U.S. Postal Service is running a legal ad in this week’s edition of The Sylva Herald seeking potential sites for a new post office. The Postal Service is looking for a vacant site approximately 300 feet by 225 feet or an existing building with approximately 6,475 square feet.
The preferred area listed by the USPS includes the U.S. 23-74 Bypass, N.C. 107, N.C. 116 and U.S. 23 Business.
Five years ago, negotiations were under way between postal officials and property owners to locate a new post office at Jackson Plaza. However, problems developed in February 2001 when the USPS board of governors placed a freeze on capital projects due to financial woes.
Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver said the town board has sent a letter to the Postal Service expressing support for the Jackson Plaza site.
Postmaster Steve Allen said it was his understanding the freeze has been lifted and the Sylva project can go forward.
The current post office on Landis Street opened in 1965 and contains 5,500 square feet.
When Allen started work at the local post office in 1984, there were three rural routes. Today there are seven, he said.
Allen, who has been postmaster since 1991, said lack of adequate parking is also a problem at the current location.
Proposals for a potential site will be received through June 13. They are to be addressed to Robert Rizzuto, Real Estate Specialist, Eastern Facilities Service Office, U.S. Postal Service, P.O. Box 27497, Greensboro, NC 27498-1103.
Rizzuto may be reached by phone at (336) 665-2887.
Allen said he has been told a new post office could open within 18-24 months of the June 13 deadline. addressed phone at (336) 665-2887.
Allen said he has been told a new post office could open within 18-24 months of the June 13 deadline.
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