To the editor:
I have attempted to resolve my mail delivery problem in Presque Isle for 10 years. I am an 85-year-old retired nurse who cares for two dependent special needs adult sons. I require a cane or walker for ambulation and have limited ability to drive. I had a P.O. box in Presque Isle, but maintaining it was problematic due to cost and my deteriorating health.
My request is simply to have deliver mail in my mailbox on my side of U.S. Route 1. The post office refuses, approving only mail delivery to the opposite side of the road, expecting me to cross with my walker and cars traveling 65 mph. USPS cites safety concerns about their carrier making left-hand turns across traffic. However, I have received no explanation as to why there are six residences and mailboxes on my side of the road, north of me, before the Caribou town line, that receive delivery.
I can only conclude that either the USPS carrier makes six repeated left turns across traffic to deliver to their mailboxes, or there is two-way mail delivery for that section of Route 1. Why not for my house? Many roads in Presque Isle have two-way delivery routes.
I have completed multiple USPS forms required for exception to current delivery mode due to physical hardship for myself and my sons with supporting letters from the physicians. I have submitted them to the Presque Isle postmaster, to Joshua Scott at Regional USPS Consumer Affairs, and to David Steiner, US postmaster general, and have had no response. Senator Collins suggested contacting the Aroostook Agency on Aging to assist with picking up mail and Senator King gave no response.
Meanwhile, the Presque isle post office is returning all my mail to the senders.
I would like an explanation as to why my neighbors have mail delivered on my side of the road and I do not, and why, given my obvious handicap, a delivery route adjustment cannot be made. There must be a solution that does not involve dodging 65 mph traffic with a walker, and I would greatly appreciate community ideas for a resolution to this issue.
Carol Michaud
Presque Isle
