Congressman Doug Collins (R-Gainesville) is calling for more public input on the relocation of the post office that is moving out of Green Street in Gainesville.
The U.S. Postal Service is looking to move outside the city's downtown area, Collins said, skirting the interests of the public.
"Right now, the transparency is lacking ... The problem that we're finding is they should be coordinating with local officials, and getting input from the community. The problem is — and what we're getting information about — is that they seem to be not following their own procedures and not getting input," said Collins.
In January, the USPS held a public input meeting to discuss the possibility of moving out of Green Street.
Plans were announced in March to relocate the 51-year-old post office, with officials saying that they wanted to move it within 3.5 miles of the current office. Brenau University is moving forward with purchasing the old building, which sits adjacent to its campus, and iconic tiger statue.
In the months since, Collins alleges, the USPS has not done its due diligence gathering public input to find the next location.
"We've asked for status reports to see where this thing is, and this week it's come to a little bit of a head. And it's time now that they come out from behind the shadows, they speak honestly about what they're doing and be a part of working with the community," said Collins.
USPS regulations call for a written advertisement of any new facilities, and a mandatory 30-day public comment period for the public to weigh in — during which time no final decisions can be made.
"That's one of the things we're looking at. They're supposed to be looking at more than just one site. They're supposed to be looking at different sites and getting input from the community, and the stakeholders," said Collins.
An email to a USPS representative seeking comment was not immediately returned.
Though no location has been set in stone, rumors have swirled since 2006 that it could move to the Midtown area.
