New Kent supervisors appropriate funds to begin process of building post office

New Kent’s Board of Supervisors approved a $75,000 appropriation to begin the process of constructing a new post office.

In January, New Kent’s post office located near the courthouse and government complex was deemed too small for the current influx of mail. At that meeting, United States Postal Service (USPS) real estate representative Richard Hancock said that the search was on for a pre-existing building that is 2,000 square feet with at least 17 parking spaces.

From there, District 3 representative Patricia Paige and District 4 supervisor Ron Stiers commented about the possibilities of a distribution center and upgrading other current facilities in the county. Hancock said that the current concern was the aforementioned New Kent location.

Over the last several months, county representatives have met with USPS representatives for a resolution. Monday night, County Administrator Rodney Hathaway proposed to the board of supervisors appropriating $75,000 for the engineering and design process of a new facility. The facility, if constructed at a location near its current one, would be at least 2,000 square feet with the possibility of being larger. The county would own the building, but the USPS would lease the building for 10 years with options for two additional 10-year agreements.

Supervisors passed the recommendation unanimously.