Chamber critical of postal merger

WINCHESTER — The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber has released a statement expressing its concern about the U.S. Postal Service’s plans to consolidate bulk mail processing from the Pleasant Valley Road post office to a regional mailing center near Washington Dulles International Airport.

“We have heard from many businesses in the region who work everyday with client bulk mailings,” says chamber President and CEO Randy Collins. “This action will cost them a tremendous amount of money and time.”

A recent public hearing on the issue in Winchester was poorly attended, the release says, in part because many local businesses received notice of the meeting late or not at all.

“If consolidation is absolutely necessary,” Collins says, “the postal service may want to consider closing other less efficient facilities in other areas and moving them to Winchester.”

The chamber has requested additional meetings with the postal service so that businesses will have a chance to respond, the release says.

— Daily Staff Report