White Bear Lake council approves letter opposing removal of downtown USPS retail services

City staff told the White Bear Lake City Council that the U.S. Postal Service recently mailed roughly 10,000 postcards to customers in the 55110 ZIP code announcing a proposal to relocate retail services within a two‑mile radius. Staff said the current downtown post office—operating retail counter, drive‑up and box services as well as mail sorting—is an economic and service asset for downtown, and recommended the council authorize a draft letter opposing removal of retail services and asking USPS to partner with the city to find alternatives.

Staff said it had received significant community feedback opposing relocation, including roughly a dozen direct emails or phone calls, letters to the editor and other input. Staff also said they had been able to reach a USPS real‑estate contact who indicated USPS was considering a retail space within one block of U.S. Bank for retail only, while warehouse/distribution functions might remain at the current property.

Council members debated the tone and strategy of the letter. One council member said the city should try to retain retail downtown; another urged nuance, noting federal efficiency goals and cautioning against opposing efficiency for its own sake. Council member West pointed out a contact email in the draft letter was incorrect and urged that be fixed. After discussion, the council voted to authorize sending the letter of opposition (with corrections to contact details) and asked staff to seek further engagement with USPS about potential alternatives and impacts on downtown businesses.

The motion to authorize the letter passed by voice vote. Staff emphasized the letter is intended to preserve convenient downtown retail services and to open lines of dialogue with USPS on mutually acceptable solutions.