Presque Isle Post Office upgrade
back on track
By Kathy McCarty
WORK HAS RESUMED at the Presque Isle Post Office, with an upgraded ramp and related construction slated for completion in mid- to late October. The project was scheduled to be finished in September but construction was delayed when a discrepancy in site plans was discovered.
PRESQUE ISLE — Work resumed on an upgrade to the Presque Isle Post Office located on Second Street, following a minor setback earlier this summer when it was discovered there was a discrepancy in site documents.
Jerry McAvaddy, the city’s code enforcement officer, offered insight into what caused the setback that has delayed completion of the project, sharing information obtained from A. Ray Bolduc, civil department manager for WBRC Architects/Engineers of Bangor.
“Ray indicated the project was temporarily put on hold due to the unforeseen condition of the existing foundation walls and footings, as well as a few comments from the Maine Historical Preservation Commission. He said WBRC has completed site visits and assessed the condition,” said McAvaddy.
In a letter to McAvaddy, Bolduc said, “WBRC has provided Ganneston Construction (the company hired to do the work at the Presque Isle facility) revised sketches so they can proceed with the project.
“Ray said it was his understanding the construction crews were to resume work around Aug. 23. He said the original completion date was around the first of September, but work is now expected to be completed sometime in October,” said McAvaddy.
Tom Rizzo, district communication coordinator for the U.S. Postal Service, confirmed the October completion date.
“Work should be completed between Oct. 15 and 30,” said Rizzo.
The completed project will include a heated ramp to improve access for handicapped individuals because snow and ice will melt during the colder months, making access easier for disabled patrons. Rizzo said the project does not include upgrades to the entrance itself or the interior of the building. Currently, the post office does not have automated doors to enter or exit the facility.
“The entryway would be an entirely separate project from start to finish and would have to be submitted for a separate review, bid and approval process,” said Rizzo.
Handicapped individuals using the post office often have to rely on others to open doors for them, since none are automated and it is difficult for someone in a wheelchair to open the door, wheel inside, then they have to open a second door to enter the interior of the building. Rizzo said newer facilities are built for accessibility, while older structures are upgraded on a case-by-case basis.
“The Postal Service is committed to assuring our postal facilities and services are available without discrimination to any customers. Since 1969, new post offices have been designed and built to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Postal facilities built before 1969 that are not accessible are considered for possible modification on a case-by-case basis,” Rizzo said.
Rizzo said in all cases, when postal facilities are altered or expanded, the new construction incorporates accessibility.
“This can include entry doors when work is being done on entryways and counter accessibility when interior work is done in or around the counter areas,” said Rizzo.
