 A reader sent in this picture of postal vans lining the streets on a Sunday |
This picture was sent in by a reader who complained about the post office taking up the street parking in Chinatown/International District.
The reader wrote, “Please see this picture I took this morning outside the post office on 6th Ave S, across the street from Bank of America. All the six street parking spaces were taken up by postal vans. I am sure these vans will be there until tomorrow (Monday) since the post office is closed today. This happens on many Sundays. … While Chinatown business have been screaming for more public parking spaces for the convenience of their customers, especially on weekends, the post office should not be taking up valuable street parking spaces like these.”
Legally, the post office has the same right as anybody. It’s free parking on Sunday in the City of Seattle. However, given the parking problems in the International District (ID), many think it’s not fair that the post office is taking up valuable spaces that shoppers can use.
At present, the post office has outgrown its space, so I sympathize with it.
Look at it this way, to which do you prefer giving up these spaces? Postal vans or the cars of residents who don’t have parking spaces available in their buildings? Everyone is fighting for parking, not just shoppers.
The ID is in danger of losing its post office. Its property has been sold to the city to extend Hing Hay Park. The post office is moving to a new home in 2013. Hopefully, it will be in the ID. Imagine what happens to the community if we don’t have a post office?
So let’s forgive the post office for taking up a few spaces. ♦