By RYAN RICHTER

Staff writer

Residents of the 100 through 300 blocks of N. Roosevelt St. were startled Monday to find a notice from the post office demanding installation of curbside mailboxes by Feb. 18.

Recent reports of dog harassment from Jan. 18, as well as the safety of both the postal carriers and neighborhoods were the reason the letter gave for the demand.

The letter said that mail for residents of the three blocks would be held at the post office with regular delivery resuming as soon as the new boxes are installed.

Mysterious flags, which later turned out to be placed in suggestion of where the post office would like the boxes placed, were standing in all residents’ yards.

One flag was even placed on a corner beside a telephone pole.

Several residents along the route, who wish to have their names withheld for fear of reprisal, expressed displeasure in the request.

“I’m not able to walk out to the curb in snow and ice,” one resident said. “The curb location also makes it easier for somebody to tamper with if you’re gone for several days.

“My husband is in the nursing home, I certainly don’t have the money to pay for having a new mailbox I’m not always able to even get to all the time.”

Despite the inconvenience relocating may cause, the safety of the postal workers remained the biggest concern.

Marion police chief Clinton Jeffrey has received no reports of dogs harassing anyone.

“We apologize for the inconvenience the changing up might pose, but our workers’ safety remains our biggest concern,” USPS corporate spokeswoman Stacy Hopwood said. “The worker has felt threatened by the same dog at the same address on more than one occasion.”

Several residents live in rental houses, which can create conflict for landowners installing new boxes.

Other issues include residents’ costs of purchasing both posts and boxes, proper installation, and work schedules interfering with the ability to pick up their mail.

“I certainly agree they have a right to feel safe, but some of us don’t have the time to get uptown to get our mail due to crazy work schedules,” another resident said. “Some of us rent, so putting a box by the curb depends on our landlords’ time.”

The new boxes are to be placed at the sites designated by the flag, six inches from the curb within a clearance of 42 to 48 inches from the bottom of the street.