Save the Post Office

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Concerned community members and postal workers are trying to raise awareness about the U.S. Postal Service’s review of the northwest Champaign post office.

Several people took part in the "Save the Post Office Campaign" at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center in downtown Urbana Sunday. 

Members discussed the proposal that would make mail that is processed at the Champaign location on Mattis Avenue, could be sent to Chicago to get processed.

"If we have any postal services that are sent to Chicago, it is going to completely disrupt our ability to live a day to day life that we're used to living." said, Augustus Wood, President, Independent Media Center Urbana-Champaign.

If approved, that would mean mail would take longer to get to your home. But, the concerns aren't just about mail.

"You have a lot of people that lose jobs, they lose access, they have to get more transportation to go to places to get mail or to go to get jobs. It really just disrupts everything. It disrupts the lives of residents in the areas." said Wood.

Several people in attendance shared their concerns. They are worried the proposed change could delay mail by a day or two. Which could be took late for some people.

"What could end up happening is with all your mail being shipped to Chicago, they say there's not going to be a delay but there's no way you're going to ship all that mail from half the state and get it back in one day or two days." said, Brian Cunningham, president, APWU Local 692.

Leaders also discussed the history of the U.S. Postal Service System.

And that it's not only important in Champaign-Urbana, but the whole country.

People in attendance also heard how other cities have already made the change. 

"We're here today to hear some education about the history of the attacks on the postal service but also how the postal service workers and the community have come together to save the post office."

For more information on the postal service's strategic plan, click here.

If you are interested in giving feedback to the postal service, click here. 

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