“On the Horizon” showcases the opinions and creative talents of individual Horizon writers.

Yolanda Romero is a founding member of the Highbridge Horizon. She has lived in Highbridge for almost 20 years.

On the Horizon: Dear postmaster: Just give us a chance

By Yolanda Romero
Staff Reporter

Let’s discuss one of my favorite topics: the postal situation here in Highbridge. Last spring, the United States Post Office graced us with a mobile van on Ogden Avenue. I am sure some of you remember this event. For those who do not, as fast as it came, that’s as fast as it left.

For years, residents have fought the same battle: They are tired of getting late or misdelivered mail. Also, Highbridgians have continuously complained about their designated Post Office being a more than 10 block trek up and down hills. We met with the right people, Bronx Postmaster Tony Rosario and Inwood station manager John Vincenzi. We thought we had a victory — a mobile unit right here on Ogden. That victory was short lived. May 15, the van appeared — there was no fanfare and very little notice. In fact, the postal committee reprehensive at Highbridge Community Life Center received word of the vans on May 14 — one day before they actually appeared.

Yes, one day before the van came they notified us. It gave hardly any time for the postal committee and organizers to inform the community that the van was there. Postal officials told the Horizon that it was a try out. If it was utilized, it would continue coming every Wednesday.

Two weeks into the trial period, the van was stationed in a different location. It went from 167th Street and Ogden Avenue to 165th and Ogden. Was this meant to be successful, or was it supposed to be a trick to prove that the Bronx will always be the last to get any kind of improved services.

I made a personal call to the District manager from Congressman Serrano’s office, Ms. Cheryl Simmons-Oliver, and she said that Patricia Jordan, a postal representative, said that the van was here for most of the summer and the van was not used and it didn’t make any money.

As far as the vans being there all summer, well, that’s not the case. No one I know can seem to remember seeing the van on Ogden past June 26.

Highbridge is growing every day, all you have to do is look and you have a new neighbor. And we can see there are new complexes going up all the time. Many of the baby boomers living in Highbridge are becoming seniors. Highbridge Gardens has over 400 units — a quarter of which are seniors. These are the people that have to travel to pick up packages and wait for a check that will arrive late or be put in someone else’s mailbox. People work too hard to worry about their mail.

What were the postal officials trying to prove? I will not take this lying down. We have to give Bronx Postmaster Tony Rosario two to three weeks notice to come to our meetings, and we in Highbridge want the same respect.