The United States Postal Service (USPS) has revealed a network consolidation plan that could impact Springfield and nearby areas. As part of this plan, 58 Processing and Distribution Centers (PDC) in smaller communities will be transformed into Local Mail Processing Centers (LPC).
The plan, as proposed, would redirect Springfield’s packages and unprocessed mail volumes to the St. Louis, Missouri PDC, situated over 100 miles away. This change means Springfield's mail and packages will be processed and postmarked in another state under a different postal district.
USPS workers say potential consequences include the removal of processing equipment from Springfield, potential job losses locally, and likely mail delivery delays.
To address community concerns, a Public Meeting has been scheduled for March 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 3100 S. Dirksen Parkway. USPS workers and union say this meeting presents the best opportunity for residents to voice their opinions regarding the future of Springfield's postal mail service.
Elected officials have urged citizens to attend the local Public Meeting and provide feedback directly to the USPS through their comment portal available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mpfr-springfield-il?fbclid=IwAR1eQ1cXCUcC1b604YDLRezUEWYQaXd7ClbqNVMpq_ZOnPwG0g1rRqG8d5I.
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Springfield City Council Committee of the Whole that would normally meet on Tuesday night was Wednesday night to allow City officials and more members of the public to attend the meeting being held by the United States Postal Service on its consolidation plans.