By Madina Toure
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said she received a letter from the U.S. Postal Service last week outlining a series of actions the Postal Service has undertaken to improve mail delivery in Kew Gardens Hills following complaints she received from her constituents.
On May 5 Meng said she got a letter from the Postal Service about mail delivery in Kew Gardens Hills that was dated April 12 but marked received April 25. In the letter Zahava Colicelli, government relations representativae for the Postal Service, said the blizzard on Jan. 23 caused a delivery and collection backlog and that operational and management changes have gone into effect to address delivery problems.
A spokesman for Meng explained that when mail arrives at the United States Capitol Complex in Washington, D.C., it is screened so there is a delay until it physically reaches the congresswoman’s office.
Colicelli also wrote that Flushing Acting Customer Service Operations Manager Edward Choy instituted changes such as a new customer services manager assigned to the Kew Gardens Hills Post Office at 75-23 Main St. and six new substitute carriers to help with staffing needs.
“I understand your interest in ensuring that your constituents receive quality mail service, and regret reading of the difficulties they report experiencing with their delivery,” Colicelli wrote. “Please know we always attempt to deliver every piece of mail in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner.”
Meng, who first sent a letter to U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan in March about poor mail service in the neighborhood, said Kew Gardens Hills residents should have reliable service.
“I thank affected constituents for raising this issue with Assemblyman Simanowitz and me so that we were able to address the problem, and I appreciate the Postal Service for taking action to fix it,” Meng said. “I look forward to mail being delivered in a dependable and effective manner for all residents of Kew Gardens Hills.”
State Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz (D-Flushing) said the community depends on quality mail service for its homes and small businesses.
“Working with Congresswoman Meng, we were able to come to a resolution with the Postal Service to address issues raised by our constituents,” Simanowitz said. “I am confident that their response will result in the efficient and dependable service our residents deserve.”
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
