USPS proposes relocation of Wilkesville Post Office, seeks public comment

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed relocating the Wilkesville, Ohio Post Office and is soliciting public comment as it searches for a replacement site close to the former Main Street location. The Postal Service identified the former facility at 154 Main St., Wilkesville OH 45695-9011 as unusable for retail postal operations because of safety concerns, and said it will seek a nearby substitute location.

"Due to uncorrectable safety hazards at the former facility, the Postal Service is now looking for a new retail location within three (3) miles of the former facility." USPS officials say the relocation project will focus on procuring a substitute location "as close as reasonably possible to the former location." The agency is pursuing two explicit options for a replacement: "(a) an existing building that is approximately 770 square feet with 8+/- dedicated parking stalls" or "(b) land to lease that is approximately 8,500 square feet site in which the Postal Service can bring in a modular building with parking."

USPS Real Estate Specialist Dawn Moore is identified by the Postal Service as overseeing the proposed relocation. While the site search and procurement proceed, "Retail Services will continue at the Vinton Main Post Office until all necessary preparations are completed at the new location." The notice does not include the Vinton Main Post Office address or hours.

The Postal Service is notifying affected residents by mail. "The U.S. Postal Service will be mailing a postcard to the impacted community, announcing a proposed relocation of the Wilkesville, OH Post Office formerly located at 154 Main St, Wilkesville OH 45695-9011." The postcard, the notice says, will explain how residents can participate in the comment process.

Residents may submit written comments within 45 days after delivery of the postcard. "We are inviting comments on the proposal and request they be sent to the following address within the next 45 days from delivery of the postcard: United States Postal Service, ATTN: Wilkesville, OH MPO Relocation, PO BOX 27497, Greensboro, NC 27498-1103."

Several key details remain unresolved in the Postal Service notice: the exact date postcards will be or were delivered to Wilkesville residents, a timeline for selecting and preparing the replacement site, specific information about the "uncorrectable safety hazards" at 154 Main St., and whether the agency will favor an existing leased building or a modular structure on leased land. The notice does not provide a phone number or email for questions.

What happens next matters to Wilkesville residents who rely on local retail postal services. Watch for the postcard to determine the comment deadline, and send written feedback to the USPS address above within 45 days of its delivery. The relocation search aims to restore local retail service near Main Street, but community input during the comment period will shape where and how that service returns.