Dear Editor:

Our village post office was recently closed and boxes moved to Boothbay Harbor, purportedly because the previous building at the marina was deemed unsafe.

There is a logical solution to maintaining mail service in the village center: re-purposing the virtually unused town meeting hall adjacent to the EBB fire station.

It is in a central location with high elevation and ample parking in the adjacent town lot, easily accessed from both School and Church streets. It is within easy walking distance of surrounding neighborhoods.

The building appears to be of adequate size, is in excellent condition. It has heat, restrooms, and serviced by a backup generator. There is even enough lawn for a flagpole - most U.S post offices proudly fly the American flag!

It is unreasonable to expect our residents to drive the six-mile round trip, to daily check their mail, especially in winter (a particular burden on the elderly).

Traffic congestion around the BBH post office has traditionally been a problem, especially along busy Oak Street in summer. The addition of boxes from EBB can only be temporary solution.

Most small towns in New England have at least two things in common: a general store and a post office. Both serve an important social function as well as a necessary convenience. We need to preserve our village ambiance and sense of place, important to us and tourists alike.

I therefore urge the town of Boothbay to propose leasing the EBB meeting hall to the U.S. Postal Service, on favorable terms, as a public service. We must retain our post office.

Bob Newding

East Boothbay