More Info on PO Boxes in New Meadows
In order to clear up some confusion on Post Office (PO) Boxes at the New Meadows Post Office, Postmaster Kim Northway contacted this newspaper with clarification. Further, Northway was quick to respond to more than a few questions regarding this subject.
First, Northway sent the following clarification in reference to the City Council meeting article published on December 4, 2024:
“Correction to the New Meadows City Council minutes last week. The New Meadows post office has availability of post office boxes to accommodate the current new construction. USPS regulations require developers of new developments to contact USPS to set up a delivery plan prior to plat plan approval. USPS regulations also require new developments to install Cluster Box Units (CBUs). USPS will adjust routes to accommodate new subdivisions and apartments. Any existing developments that wish to add CBUs must coordinate directly with USPS. Questions regarding post office boxes, route delivery, or new or existing delivery options should be directed to the local USPS office.”
A main concern brought up during the City Council meeting was the availability of PO Boxes for planned and potential future housing developments. Northway stated that they currently have 41 boxes available. Right now there is not a plan to add additional boxes. The boxes are not specifically paid or no-fee, but are given as paid or no-fee based on the customer’s specific address.
In order to receive a new PO Box, customers must complete an application and provide a valid picture ID along with either a current lease, mortgage, deed of trust, voter registration, vehicle registration, home insurance, or vehicle insurance. If the customer’s address qualifies for a no-fee box by being within the city limits, then one of the IDs must show the current address. If a customer with a free PO Box moves out of the city limits, they may keep their PO Box but it will become a paid box.
Regarding new housing developments in New Meadows, Northway noted all new developments are required to have Cluster Box Units (CBUs). She said that if a development is not on the existing mail delivery route, then the route must be adjusted. At the moment, Northway stated she is in the process of starting to evaluate adding a second route that would go south on Highway 95 down to Tamarack Mill. She said, “new developments plus the current no-fee boxes for houses in that direction may quantify and qualify for an additional route to be added. USPS has a process for evaluating the addition of new routes.”
Regarding the new development going in on Peterson Memorial, Northway confirmed that the first eight homes will qualify for paid PO Boxes. She stated that after discussions with the developer, the current plan is that when the second phase of development occurs, a CBU will be installed. When the new CBU is in place, the mail for the first eight homes will then be serviced through the CBU with free delivery rather than at the post office building with paid boxes.
Northway stated that USPS regulations require developers to “reach out to the post office to establish a delivery system prior to plat plan approval. If they don’t do that, and they don’t have time or space to install CBU’s, those developments do not qualify for no-fee boxes, regardless of whether they are in town or not.”
In the case of a new single home that is built on the existing route, service can begin once the address is verified with the county and a customer delivery card is completed and filed with the post office.
Regarding possible CBUs at MeadowCreek, Northway said she is available to discuss options.
The Postmaster also affirmed that she is happy to answer or clarify any questions related to mail or delivery and that all related questions should be directed to her at the post office. The New Meadows Post Office is located at 221 Virginia Street and the main phone number is (208) 347 - 2134.
