Fry writes to Postmaster General demanding answers behind Longs post office delay

LONGS, S.C. (WMBF) – Congressman Russell Fry wants answers as to why the Longs post office hasn’t been rebuilt nearly two years after a fire destroyed it.

The congressman wrote a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy airing his frustrations over the situation and the lack of answers.

“My staff has been in contact with the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding your plans for reconstruction of this post office since January,” Fry wrote. “However, you have not been forthcoming with information and have not adequately addressed my concerns, necessitating this correspondence.”

The Longs post office on Highway 9 was destroyed on June 25, 2021. At first, customers were directed to go to the post office in North Myrtle Beach for their mail. Then in August 2021, a mobile unit was opened to help customers but offered reduced hours of operation.

“My constituents in Longs, SC have lacked access to a fully operational post office for almost two years. The closest fully operational post offices are located roughly 10 miles away,” Fry wrote to DeJoy.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• ‘We regret the delay, but progress is being made’: The latest update on the Longs post office
• ‘What’s going to happen now?’: Neighbors feeling impact of Longs post office fire
• USPS suspends operations at Longs post office after fire

Fry also tweeted that the USPS promised to replace the post office by early 2023, but they have failed to deliver on that promise.

“The people of Longs deserve to know why USPS has failed to move a single blade of grass on the property where the new post office should already be built,” Fry tweeted.

The congressman sent the following list of questions to the Postmaster General to answer:

• What is the status of the reconstruction of the post office located in Longs, SC?
• What is the new estimated date of completion for the post office located in Longs, SC?
• What is the reason behind the delay in reconstructing the post office in Longs, SC?
• Is the USPS maintaining the grounds where the mobile post office located in Longs SC?
• What are the current plans on ground maintenance of the property?

Fry requests an in-person briefing with DeJoy to get more information on the reconstruction timeline. He also asks that the questions be answered no later than May 5.

USPS released the following statement to WMBF News in regard to the Longs Post Office rebuild.

“The Postal Service continues to work toward a solution regarding the rebuilding of the Longs Post Office at 50 Highway 9 E in Longs, SC 29568. We regret the delay, but progress has been made and we are confident a resolution is expected soon. In the interim, customers may continue to conduct retail transactions at the mobile van parked on the Longs Post Office property. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Postal Service also has cluster box units on the property to serve Post Office Box customers. They may pick up their mail seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Mail and package delivery service has continued without interruption since the fire that damaged the Longs Post Office. The Postal Service appreciates its customers and thanks them for their patience as we work on a resolution to restore the facility to the community.”

The owner of the land and Post Office building said they are working with USPS to make sure the construction can begin as soon as possible.

“American Postal Infrastructure, the owner of the prior Longs Post Office building and land, and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are working together closely to commence construction on the new Longs, SC post office as quickly as possible,” said Jon Otterberg, CEO American Postal Infrastructure LLC. “We hope to share an update on this with the community very shortly, and we very much appreciate your patience during this inconvenience.”

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