LaGrange Park residents asked to take part in post office phone survey

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Updated: January 20, 2012 2:53PM

LaGrange Park residents who missed a call Wednesday for a telephone survey may still have their opinions count on whether to keep open the village’s branch of the U.S. Postal Service.

Residents may phone in their responses by calling (800) 213-0454 until 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22.

The survey asks four multiple-choice questions in an automated call, but they must be home to answer the phone to have their input recorded.

Village President Jim Discipio told the Village Board Jan. 10 phone survey results will be compiled and presented to postal officials contemplating closing the LaGrange Park branch as one of 3,700 offices nationwide to cut costs.

Discipio said he enlisted the assistance of LaGrange Park resident and public affairs consultant Thom Serafin to conduct the automated call, as well as provide advice on compiling a video from a public forum on the proposed closing. A date for the forum hasn’t been set.

In the survey, residents will be asked if they are aware the branch on 31st Street and Barnsdale Road has been identified for potential closing, as well as how often and why they use the LaGrange Park branch.

Citizens also will be questioned on what their concerns would be if they are forced to use a post office branch in another community. Demographic data will be gathered for statistical purposes as well, according to an electronic newsletter to residents released today.

Postal officials conducted a public hearing on the prospective closing Nov. 1 and urged residents to submit detailed feedback and surveys by Dec. 31. A 60-day study period began Oct. 31 to gather feedback on the impact of closing the office.

LaGrange Park was identified because annual sales of $573,000 in 2010 and $528,000 through September for 2011 fall short of the $600,000 threshold used for the study. No date was outlined for a definite decision.