Meng Urges Postal Service to Install Ramp at Main Entrance of Jackson Heights Post Office
February 24, 2023
Lack of a ramp at the site currently makes it difficult for disabled individuals, seniors, and those with strollers to use the facility
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she called on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to install an accessibility ramp at the main entrance of United States Post Office in Jackson Heights, Queens.
In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, the Congresswoman said that the ramp is necessary to make the post office more accessible, and allow individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those pushing strollers to enter the building easier and more safely.
"The lack of a ramp at the main entrance of this facility makes it extremely difficult for many Jackson Heights residents to use their local post office and that is unacceptable," said Congresswoman Meng. "Nobody should be denied or have such difficulty in accessing the postal services they need. Breaking down this barrier to combat the problem has got to be addressed immediately. I hope the Postmaster General understands how essential a ramp is for the community, and that he approves its installation. This facility must be easily accessible to all."
Meng's correspondence was signed by her state and city colleagues who also represent the area.
For years, local residents and elected officials have urged the Postal Service to install the ramp, and Meng is now leading the fight since Jackson Heights became part of her congressional district in January.
"Trips to the post office should be as convenient as possible, but for too many Jackson Heights residents a visit to their neighborhood post office is nothing short of an ordeal," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "It is imperative that a ramp be installed at the Jackson Heights Post Office so that the office can finally be made easily accessible to the entire community, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those tending to young children. I thank Congresswoman Meng for her efforts to draw the Postmaster General's attention to this urgent need."
"My neighbors have been asking for improved accessibility at the Jackson Heights Post Office since before I was elected to represent this district," said State Senator Jessica Ramos. "This is a quintessential neighborhood post office, it needs to be accessible to parents and caregivers with strollers, seniors, and those who need a ramp to be able to access one of government's most basic and essential services. I'm so grateful that Congresswoman Meng took this on so quickly, and look forward to working with her on making these upgrades a reality."
"I urge the Postal Service to take action and install a ramp at the main entrance of the Jackson Heights Post Office," said Assemblymember Steven Raga. "The absence of a ramp creates unnecessary barriers for our neighbors with disabilities, seniors, and parents with strollers, impeding their access to essential postal services. It's crucial that we prioritize accessibility and make sure that all members of our Jackson Heights community can use this facility without difficulty."
"Jackson Heights is one of the most diverse districts in the nation," said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas. "It's our job to ensure that in the celebration of diversity, we are inclusive of older adults and people with disabilities. I fully support the installation of an accessibility ramp at the entrance of the Jackson Heights Post Office and thank Congresswoman Grace Meng for her advocacy on this."
"The post office is not only a life line to stay in touch with loved ones, it is also crucial for many of us to manage personal affairs or to earn a living," said Councilmember Shekar Krishnan. "People with disabilities, seniors, or those with strollers must not be cut off from these critical services, and I fully support Representative Meng in calling for the installation of a ramp at the Jackson Heights Post Office. It is long overdue for this building to be fully accessible to our community that depends on it."
A copy of Meng's letter can be viewed here and the text is below. The Jackson Heights Post Office is located at 78-02 37th Avenue.
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The Honorable Louis DeJoy
Postmaster General
United States Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20260
Dear Postmaster General DeJoy:
We are writing to request the United States Postal Service (USPS) install an accessibility ramp at the main entrance of its Jackson Heights Post Office located at 7802 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. For years, Jackson Heights residents have been urging the USPS to make their post office fully accessible, allowing people with disabilities, older community members, and people with strollers to enter the building safely. The nearest accessible post office to the Jackson Heights location is 0.6 miles away, an unacceptable additional burden on people who require accessibility.
For the USPS to fulfill its mission to serve everyone, it must ensure its facilities are fully accessible to the public. That is why we respectfully encourage you to install a ramp at the main entrance of the Jackson Heights Post Office.
We appreciate your immediate attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,