Sunriver’s Post Office: Return to Sender?

The U.S. Postal Service announced this week its decision to close nearly 3,700 offices nationwide in a cost-saving move. Eight of the locations are in Central Oregon, and Sunriver residents spoke out Thursday about the possibility of their location being shut for good.

Sunriver’s post office is a small site in the eyes of a $67 billion, self-funding government agency with more than 32,000 retail offices. The USPS says the move is necessary because more people are using the Internet and smart phones for postal business.

But many people outside the Sunriver post office said everything from birthday cards to business package shipments would be affected.

“I think this is an absolute essential,” said one resident.

“There are enough people out in this area, it would actually be ridiculous to into have a post office here,” said another.

“I just think it would be horrible,” said one Sunriver local. “There’s a lot of people that would have a hard time going anywhere else.”

Many small business owners said the possible closures would have a huge negative impact on their business.

“I run my own personal business out of my home, and I mail things several times a week,” said one local business owner.

Another added, “You get the service here from people that actually know you and know what company you have, so you can get your packages.”

Sunriver is on the list of possible closures throughout Central Oregon. It joins Antelope, Brothers, Kent, Kimberly, Paulina, Post and Shaniko, among 41 statewide. Postal Service officials believe the closures will eliminate costs for the company, but those who frequent the Sunriver post office say cuts should be made elsewhere.

“There are lots of other things that can be cut on government expenses that don’t impact people in their everyday lives,” one resident said.

While the news on a warm summer day, the thought of having to drive out of town to pick up mail made some people think about the cold, snowy winter months.

“This is going to be really devastating, if we don’t have a post office, especially in the wintertime,” said one long-time Sunriver local. “Because it’s very difficult to get between here and Bend, when there’s a lot of snow and icy roads.”

Officials from the Sunriver Owners Association said although they are on the list, they don’t believe the post office location will actually close, because of the large number of people who use it everyday.

The Postal Service said it is looking to move to small “village post offices” in about 2,500 of the locations, located in such places as convenience stores, though that list isn’t due out for months.

As for Sunriver, many people said the Postal Service is in for a fight.

“I think we would definitely try to stop it,” said one resident.

Another added, “I plan to write letters and complain bitterly.”

“If there’s any kind of petitions we can sign, absolutely,” said another local.

The U.S. Postal Service said closing down thousands of offices nationwide is only one way they are trying to cut costs. Getting rid of Saturday service and eventually scaling down delivery to only three days a week are also being considered..