(BALTIMORE – October 17, 2023) – Today, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced it will be placing 169 mailbox units on a portion of Baltimore County land within the Fort Howard Veterans Park (located at 9115 North Point Road, Fort Howard, Maryland 21052) which will allow Fort Howard residents to continue receiving mail in their community going forward. This cluster of mailbox units (“cluster boxes”) is a community-based solution that is only 0.2 miles from the former Fort Howard Post Office location.
The USPS action is a reversal of course by the agency, which planned to direct residents 15 miles roundtrip to the Dundalk, Maryland Post Office for mail delivery upon the Fort Howard Post Office’s ultimate closure. Many of the members of this community have limited mobility or limited access to transportation, so the 15-mile journey was untenable. In response to concerns raised by residents in late July, Congressman Mfume immediately contacted Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requesting a prompt update on the plan for mail delivery going forward and information for the community by way of a July 26, 2023, letter attached here. After following up with residents, Congressman Mfume delivered a petition circulated by the community to Postmaster DeJoy on August 11, 2023, outlining the request for a community-based solution to mail delivery. Subsequently, a third letter was sent on August 30, 2023, by Congressman Mfume and Senators Cardin and Van Hollen.
Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) worked directly with USPS and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski to resolve this constituent matter. The Congressman issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement.
“While it took sustained advocacy and pointed dialogue with the United States Postal Service over the last few months, I believe we are in a better place for the hardworking residents of Fort Howard with today’s announcement. I thank Baltimore County Executive Olszewski, Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Delegates Bob Long and Richard Metzgar, and Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell for jointly answering my call, and thank the postal service for not giving up. Fort Howard mail delivery will thankfully continue in the community now for many years to come.”
