Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) released statements in response to the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) announcement that it will install mailboxes on Baltimore County-owned property where Fort Howard residents can continue to retrieve their mail following the closure of the nearby Post Office branch. This development comes after the lawmakers sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing concern over the agency’s initial plan to close the Fort Howard branch, as well as the resulting challenges that their constituents would face in retrieving their mail following the closure.
“After a months-long push, Fort Howard residents finally have the certainty of a long-term solution for their mail service. Although it falls short of keeping the Fort Howard branch open, this agreement keeps USPS mail delivery consistent with the standard that the community has grown accustomed to over the years. I’m glad our federal delegation, the Postal Service, and Baltimore County were able to work together to keep mail delivery close to home in Fort Howard,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Closing the Fort Howard Post Office and requiring residents to travel outside their community for their mail would have disrupted vital mail service for Fort Howard’s residents. While we would have preferred the post office to remain open, we appreciate the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) decision to provide closer mailboxes so Fort Howard residents can continue to receive consistent, local mail service. In working with USPS and our local partners, we found a resolution that is convenient and meets the immediate and long-term needs of the community,” said Senator Cardin.