Avondale Estates Beats Postal Service in Mailbox Battle

Avondale Estates has stamped out the Postal Service's plan to change mail delivery.

The Postal service wanted new residents in the city's historic district to install curbside mailboxes, but gave up that idea after pressure from city hall and U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.)

"We have decided not to require the new residents in the City of Avondale Estates Historic District to install mailboxes on the street," wrote Salvatore Vacca, Atlanta district manager for the Postal Service, in a Feb. 15 letter to Isakson. (See attachment)

For aesthetic purposes, the city prohibits curbside mailboxes for the 500-some homes and businesses in the historic district. Mail carriers depost letters in mailboxes attached to the house.

The Postal Service went with the plan to cut costs. People who just moved into the historic district were supposed to install curbside mailboxes. If they didn't, they'd have to go to the post office to pick up their mail.

The city commission considered changing its mail box ordinance but decided to fight back. Mayor Ed Rieker said a number of residents complained, leading the city to enlist the help of elected officials, including Isakson.

"A happy conclusion was reached by all parties to maintain the integrity of the historic district," Rieker said.

Rieker said only "a handful" of people put up curbside mailboxes. They can take down those mailboxes and install mailboxes by the door.

The historic district includes the long two-story Tudor building on North Avondale Road and stretches into the residential areas down to Lake Avondale. (See attached map.) People outside the historic district need curbside mailboxes.