Letter from post office reignites debate
More residents notified they must move their mailboxes for carrier safety
By DON WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
A wave of frustration has swept through parts of West Memphis as some residents recently received letters from the United States Postal Service (USPS) instructing them to relocate their porch or door-side mailboxes to the curb. The letter, signed by West Memphis Postmaster Essence Mosgrove, reignited a contentious debate that first arose in 2023 when similar notices were distributed to houses near Ross. The letters are now arriving to residents in the neighborhood of N. Bond.
Some residents expressed concern about the practicality and safety of curbside mailboxes.
“Seems like it’s always a few bad apples spoiling the bunch. I don’t like the idea of a mailbox at the curb because this will eventually invite trouble in the form of thieves stealing mail and packages easily,” said local resident Robert Bussey. “How about holding the dog owners accountable instead of using the shotgun approach?” Others suggested alternative solutions, such as stronger enforcement of animal control measures. “Animal Control should be passing out citations,” commented Sunday Miller. “After they pay a few, I guarantee the problem stops.”
However, some residents also offered help to neighbors struggling to comply with the changes. “If anyone needs a mailbox put up you can give me a call,” said Jason Arwood.
A representative from the West Memphis Post Office, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to USPS policies prohibiting employees from speaking to the press, clarified the situation when the letters first
See MAILBOXES, page A3 MAILBOXES
From page A1
began arriving in 2023.
The representative emphasized that not all residents are required to move their mailboxes. “If you did not receive a letter, you do not have to move your mailbox. Plain and simple. It is not citywide or street by street,” they said. The official encouraged concerned residents to call the post office directly for clarification instead of relying on social media, which can perpetuate misinformation.
The mandate stems primarily from safety concerns for postal workers, not convenience or laziness, according to the USPS. The representative cited cluttered porches, icy walkways, and encounters with aggressive or dangerous dogs as major hazards. Nationwide, over 5,300 postal workers were attacked by dogs in 2022 alone, with many owners insisting, “My dog won’t bite,” even after incidents occurred.
Additionally, postal workers have faced other safety issues, including armed homeowners mistaking them for trespassers.
For those who received letters, the USPS provides specific guidelines for curbside mailbox installation:
■ ■ Mailboxes must be approved by the USPS.
■ ■ Custom-made mailboxes require approval from the local postmaster.
■ ■ The name and address
on the mailbox must be at least one inch high.
■ ■ Mailboxes should be installed 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the box.
■ ■ The mailbox should be 6-8 inches from the road’s edge.
■ ■ Advertising on the mailbox or its post is prohibited.
Residents typically have two weeks to relocate their mailboxes unless a specific date is provided in the letter. Those who fail to comply risk having their mail delivery suspended. In such cases, mail will be held at the post office for pickup until the issue is resolved.
The USPS representative underscored the importance of compliance, saying, “Instead of walking to the end of your driveway, you can feel free to pick it up at the Post Office.”
More and more West Memphis residents are receiving letters like these informing them they must movie their mailboxes or risk having home mail delivery discontinued.
Photo by Candi Denise
