Turning Post Office Plan Around

by Trish West

The abbreviation "P.O." doesn't always stand for "Post Office." Teresa Miller and her neighbors had more of the vernacular in mind to describe their feelings when they heard that a branch of the U.S. Post Office was to be constructed in their primarily residential neighborhood, at High and MacArthur. Teresa, who passes by the site every day on her way to work as chief of eligibility at the Oakland Housing Authority, noticed some changes last fall. After a bit of sleuthing, she discovered what was afoot. She and other residents were understandably angry that such a project was proceeding without even a "by the way" to most of the immediate neighborhood. "I've lived here 15 years and love the area," said Teresa. "I couldn't just let that happen." From your high-school government class, you may remember the term "eminent domain," meaning that the state can basically take over any private property, compensating the owner. The Federal Government is a formidable opponent, but that fact didn't deter Teresa. Neither did the recommendation from several City employees that residents spare themselves a losing battle. Instead, those residents got themselves organized. At initial meetings with concerned neighbors, Post Office officials contended that it had sent the required notification to residents. "Not so," responded neighbor after neighbor. "But this community needs a new Post Office," asserted the authorities. "We never asked for it," replied community members, who were prepared to file a lawsuit or "whatever it took," according to Teresa. The Laurel Community Action Project and the Neighborhood Council (NCPC) got into the action. After months of negotiations supported by representatives from the offices of Representative Barbara Lee and Councilmember Nate Miley, the residents prevailed. No, the victory wasn't complete; the P.O. building won't be scratched or relocated. However, the neighbors won some important concessions in building design and traffic direction, and Post Office workers won needed workspace. Just as important for the neighborhood is winning the grudging recognition that it is a force to be reckoned with. "The government knows it couldn't get away with this in Piedmont or Rockridge. Now it realizes that it can't treat this community any differently," commented Teresa. As the P.O. project progresses, Teresa and her band of neighbors are keeping a close watch. "We'll certainly object if any of the agreement is breached," said Teresa. "This is a great family neighborhood, and I intend to stay right here." Editor's note: Teresa Miller, who first reported on the P.O. plans in May, helped start the Metro and was one of its first reporters back in 1989.