By Naeisha Rose
U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) wrote some fiery words last week in a letter to Megan Brennan, the postmaster general of the United States, in regard to his constituents’ receiving late mail or mail meant for someone else.
“For far too long, my constituents in the Fifth Congressional District have experienced significant and unacceptable delays in their mail service,” Meeks said.
Meeks’s district includes the Rockaway Peninsula and stretches into Broad Channel, Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, Laurelton, Queens Village, Rosedale, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, South Ozone Park, Kennedy International Airport and parts of Nassau County.
To address the issue of his constituents’ receiving the wrong or late mail, he had scheduled a meeting with a senior official at the U.S. Postal Service for Jan. 18, but he found out last-minute there was no longer a discussion planned that day.
“I was irate when I learned that your office had cancelled this important meeting,” Meeks wrote. “This is simply unacceptable.”
Throughout the southeast Queens and Nassau County area, Meeks learned that prescriptions, W-2 forms, paychecks, bills and packages were regularly delievered late to his constituents.
“I expect an immediate and thorough briefing on the USPS’ failure to deliver my constituents’ mail in an appropriate and timely manner,” the congressman wrote.
Meeks’s district wasn’t the only one affected by lackluster service from the USPS. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) worked with Meeks on a joint letter rattling off their constituents’ problems in receiving the right mail on time.
“Many of our constituents report severely delayed mail, sometimes taking weeks to arrive, significant problems with package delivery, and frequently receiving incorrect mail addressed to individuals who live many blocks away,” the representatives wrote. “The current mail delivery problems plaguing the residents of Queens must be addressed immediately.”
USPS did respond to the comments made by the officials.
“We share the members’ concerns and are committed to working with them to resolve issues identified by their offices,” said Xavier Hernandez, a spokesman for USPS. “We will continue to work to ensure all customers receive the level of service they expect and deserve.”
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by email at nrose
