Town may get new post office

LAFAYETTE n Anyone who's ever had a problem exiting the township's U.S. Post Office driveway on to Route 15 will be pleased at the changes that were proposed at the township's Sept. 6 council meeting. Senior Real Estate Specialist Gregory Lackey of the Postal Service, accompanied by Postmaster James Reynolds, talked to the council about plans to either expand or renovate the existing building at its present location just south of the intersection of Route 15 and Morris Farm/Meadows roads, relocate to an existing structure or construct a new post office. Lackey explained that the postal service coordinates its new facility projects with the community, and Lafayette is targeted for such a project. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, keeping the community informed and seeking feedback before and during the process. "Our first preference would be to expand at the present location," said Lackey. But, he said, it may not be desirable to rehabilitate and expand the present location. He noted that some previously completed projects in other towns were so large that they were moved from the main street in a town and away from central business districts. Unfortunately, this move has had a negative impact on some of the businesses. With safety and traffic being primary concerns, Lackey spoke about the various alternatives including leasing an existing building, perhaps in a strip mall, or building a new post office. "We have no preference here, and it depends upon feedback," Lackey reiterated. Mayor John D'Angeli said that the present location of the post office is in a "most dangerous spot to try to get out of and on to Route 15. With the development of Ross Corner, 15 will be a nightmare." Councilman Rick Hughes spoke of recent concerns from senior citizens regarding the safety of the present location noting that the facility has no handicap access or parking. Lackey said a search for a more preferable site in town for new construction would require a property to accommodate a 4,800-square-foot structure. A new building would require 40 parking spaces with two dedicated to handicap parking. Ideally, he said locating a post office near a super market would produce the most synergy, but since Lafayette does not have a major food store, another convenient location will be sought. The Post Office Department is not bound by zoning restrictions, and theoretically could locate in a residential zone, but Lackey said the preference is a commercial zone. He indicated that the government will advertise in local newspapers for a site, and when it is selected, there will be open discussion. There will be ample time between steps in the process for review and comment, and physical work will not begin for some time, he said. "We will provide plans for project, and we'll work together," promised Lackey.