Columbus Historic Preservation Commission member Joe Boggess Monday urged his fellow commissioners to try to stop the closure of the historic downtown post office on Main Street. The United States Postal Service issued a list last week containing 3,653 locations nationwide slated for possible closure in an effort to slash costs. The downtown Columbus post office, which is one of 61 that may close in Mississippi, has served Columbus residents since 1939.
Boggess said he would like to see a coordinated effort by the Preservation Commission, Columbus City Council, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link and citizens to keep the post office open. Potential actions may include the creation of a Facebook page to save the post office and a petition.
“I just think everybody ought to jump on it as something big and important,” Boggess said. “They (USPS) don”t really know that it”s a beautiful building with a fabulous mural … They”re just looking at the geography.”
Commission members voted 5-0 to present the issue to the city council for review.
The Historic Preservation Commission normally meets on the first Monday of every month, but due to Labor Day, next month”s meeting will be held Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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