Press Releases

Amid the continued and abrupt disruption to postal operations in Camden, Maine’s First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is drawing attention to the U.S. Postal Service’s disservice to the Camden community and calling for better transparency during the renovation project. In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, Pingree said she understands the need to modernize the Camden facility, which was built in 1914 and designated as an historic place, but said, “the lack of transparency around the start and duration of the closure has caused significant confusion for the residents of Camden, some of whom report receiving mailed notices announcing contradictory dates for the shutdown.”

“While this closure effects every resident, it is especially challenging for those with limited mobility. Camden is coastal town in Knox County with over 5,000 residents, and almost a third of Camden’s residents are 65 years or older. Due to the Postal Office closure, Camden residents requiring in-person postal services will have to travel several miles. This can present serious difficulties, particularly given inclement weather in the approaching winter months,” Pingree wrote.

“Given the importance of access to postal services for Camden residents, I urge the Postal Service to provide clear and accurate information about the status of the Camden Post Office and improve transparency with the community as you navigate this disruption and in future projects,” she continued. 

The full text of the letter is copied below and is available online here.

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Dear Postmaster DeJoy,

I write regarding the recent closure of the Postal Office in Camden, Maine. I have been informed by my constituents that the facility closed abruptly on September 16th for renovations, and that postal operations have been transferred to the Postal Office in the town of Rockland indefinitely.  

 I understand and appreciate the need to modernize the Camden facility. However, the lack of transparency around the start and duration of the closure has caused significant confusion for the residents of Camden, some of whom report receiving mailed notices announcing contradictory dates for the shutdown.

While this closure effects every resident, it is especially challenging for those with limited mobility. Camden is coastal town in Knox County with over 5,000 residents, and almost a third of Camden’s residents are 65 years or older. Due to the Postal Office closure, Camden residents requiring in-person postal services will have to travel several miles. This can present serious difficulties, particularly given inclement weather in the approaching winter months. 

Given the importance of access to postal services for Camden residents, I urge the Postal Service to provide clear and accurate information about the status of the Camden Post Office and improve transparency with the community as you navigate this disruption and in future projects.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please reach out to Corrinne Latti in my office at corrinne.latti@mail.house.gov with any additional information that the Postal Service is able to share about this closure.

Sincerely,

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