Colorado Mountain Community Frustrated by Post Office Closure

The closure of the Poncha Springs post office has left residents frustrated and searching for clarity. Without local mail services, residents are now required to drive to Salida, resulting in longer wait times and increased pressure on the Salida facility.

Impact of the Closure on the Community

The drive to Salida, while only 10 minutes away, presents a significant inconvenience for those in Poncha Springs. Aaron Hanson, a former user of the Poncha Springs post office, reported wait times of 30 to 40 minutes in Salida. This issue is further exacerbated during the busy holiday season.

Lack of Communication Sparks Frustration

Residents expressed their concerns about the lack of communication regarding the post office’s closure. Todd Sigmier, a Poncha Springs resident, mentioned that the community was not properly informed about the closure. He stated, “Keep the channels of communication open … they haven’t done that.” This absence of communication has contributed to local frustration.

Challenges Faced by Residents

Following the closure, mail services have been transferred to outdoor post office boxes in Salida, which many residents find inadequate, especially during winter months. Sigmier shared that the community was informed of the closure in late October, with little follow-up or explanation.

Attempts to Maintain Services

Hanson, who works for the property management company, noted that they made several attempts to negotiate a lease renewal for the Poncha Springs post office. They presented three options: renewing the current lease, expanding the facility, or vacating. However, these proposals went largely unanswered until the very end of the process.

Future Prospects for Poncha Springs

Despite the frustration, the United States Postal Service has indicated plans for a new, larger post office in Poncha Springs. However, this project could take up to eight months to be initiated once the lease is finalized.

• Current Situation: Residents share one post office in Salida.
• Estimated Wait Times: 30-40 minutes at Salida post office.
• Plans for Future: New post office in Poncha Springs expected to take up to 8 months.

The community’s primary goal is to return to normalcy. As Sigmier put it, “We just want to get back to normal. Help.” The overarching question remains as to why the closure was handled in such a manner that has left residents feeling abandoned.