The future of Lexington's Mail Processing and Distribution Center on Nandino Boulevard is in jeopardy. It's one of seven in Kentucky and 250 nationwide that could close and it would have a big impact on the community.
"It's a very important part of American Society and we don't think it should be done away with," comments Bob McNulty, the state president of the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Emotions ran high at Monday night's meeting to discuss the possible shut down of Lexington's facility. The closure was proposed after a study was conducted this fall to look at moving Lexington's operations to Louisville and Knoxville.
"Our mail volume has dropped 20% since 2007. Also, more people are paying their bills online and they're communicating through e-mail, text message. This study, if it were approved, it could save us about $9 million dollars a year, that's a lot of money," says David Walton with the United States Postal Service.
If it does close, it would mean 103 people would lose their jobs and another 84 would be relocated. Denise Walsh's husband is one of those workers who would be affected. She says the uncertainty is upsetting to her entire family.
"Living in limbo, not knowing if you're going to have a job or if you're going to be transferred. Our roots are here. My little boy last night at dinner was praying and he said please save my dad's job," explains Walsh.
The USPS says the shut down would also cause first class mail delivery to be delayed one to two days. A final decision on whether or not to close Lexington's facility will be made in February or March.
If you couldn't make it out to the meeting, you still have the chance to voice your opinion. You can submit comments through December 13th to:
Manager of Consumer and Industry Contact, Kentuckiana District, P.O. Box 31631, Louisville, KY 40231-9631
