USPS not delivering mail to Campus Quarters

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A Mobile apartment complex is fighting to help its tenants get a basic service that people in most other complexes enjoy: mail delivery.

Like many other complexes, Campus Quarters has features like cushioned pool chairs and drive up parking.

Brianne Murray and Madison Quigley did get one surprise when they moved in.

Murray said, "Whenever we got up to the room, they had a paper, a letter, from the complex saying, 'You're not going to be able to receive your mail.' "

Quigley said, "I don't think it's fair because they deliver mail to every other apartment complex around here."

The Postal Service won't deliver mail to the complex even though it has mailboxes on the property.

What's the problem?

Apartment Manager Alison Collins said, "The Postmaster General in Mobile made the determination that we are transient housing."

And Collins said it's not just students who live here.

She said, "I didn't think they had an option to deliver the mail, whether it was a choice."

Brianne has it better than most tenants.

She said, "My parents don't live far away, so I'm going to get my mail sent to their house."

But most other tenants here either have to pick up their mail at the main post office or get a post office box.

A postal service official wouldn't give an on-camera interview, but sent FOX10 the following statement.

USPS Official Statement:

"Per the Postal Operations Manual, temporary housing, which includes student housing, does not qualify for individual delivery.
Mail addressed to dormitory buildings and residence halls is delivered to a designated representative of the school or property, who then becomes responsible for further distribution to students and residents.

"Whether located on or off campus, and regardless of private ownership, such buildings are dormitories and either the school or building owner is responsible for the final delivery of student/resident mail. Post Office personnel do not distribute mail into apartment-type mailboxes for dormitories or residence halls.

"The Postal Service offers two alternatives: Students may have mail addressed to General Delivery, and with proper identification, may pick up their mail at the Mobile Main Post Office at 250 St Joseph Street at no charge. Mail will be held at the Main Post Office for up to 30 days, and the Postmaster is authorized to extend this time period upon request. Or students may choose to rent a Post Office Box at the Springhill Station at 5551 Old Shell Road."

- Debra Fetterly, USPS Spokesperson, Alabama District

Campus Quarters said they aren’t giving up yet.

Collins said, "We sought legal counsel, and they are looking it." 　

Mail is held at the main post office in Mobile for up to 30 days.