Press Releases

Due to Changing Regulations, New Homeowners Have Been Left in Limbo, Unable to Receive Curbside Mail Delivery That Nearby Streets Enjoy

WHEATFIELD, NY - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) issued a letter today to the United States Postmaster General demanding that residents of the Whistling Straits development receive the same treatment as their neighbors on surrounding streets by receiving curbside mail delivery. 

The project, approved by the Town of Wheatfield before the implementation of new rules requiring the use of cluster mailboxes, has left residents in limbo, forcing them to purchase P.O. boxes and travel to the post office to receive their mail. Due to the arrangement of the development, there is no
space allocated for a cluster mailbox, nor the organizational or safety infrastructure to maintain access to it during the winter months. 

In his letter, Kennedy noted that Whistling Straits, a small development of approximately 35 homes, is surrounded by streets that all receive curbside delivery. Noting the unique circumstances, Kennedy requested that the Postmaster General provide an exemption that will allow the same curbside delivery that other nearby residents enjoy.

“This simply comes down to fairness - making sure these homeowners receive the same service as their neighbors around the block,” said Kennedy. “Whistling Straits is part of an established residential community, and there is no reason its residents should be treated any differently. It’s time for the United States Postal Service to do the right thing and provide these residents with the service they deserve.”

“The Town of Wheatfield has tried on numerous occasions to remedy the issue of mail delivery at Whistling Straits subdivision,” said Supervisor Don MacSwan. “We have tried to resolve the issue with two local postmasters with no results. This subdivision was designed and approved years ago prior to cluster mailboxes. There is no location acceptable or safe to locate clusters in our road right of way. With Congressman Kennedy’s assistance in this matter, we hope that this joint effort can resolve the mail issue and give the residents the delivery they deserve.”

The text of Kennedy’s letter is below:

August 6, 2025

Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino

United States Postal Service

475 L'Enfant Plaza SW

Washington, D.C. 20260

Dear Acting Postmaster General Tulino, 

After speaking with residents and local elected officials, I write to demand a reconsideration of the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) decision not to allow for curbside delivery for the Whistling Straits subdivision in the Town of Wheatfield, New York. This subdivision received local approvals prior to the USPS’s 2012 decision to utilize cluster mailbox units as the default method of delivery for new delivery addresses. As a result, its design does not provide space or a maintenance plan for the use of a cluster mailbox.

Whistling Straits, which consists of Squire Drive and Piedmont Street in Wheatfield, is a small subdivision of approximately 35 single-family homes. It is bounded by Ward Road, Hoover Road, and Lockport Road, all of which receive curbside mail delivery services. The subdivision, as laid out and constructed, does not include any communal property and does not have a homeowners association that could be responsible for upkeep of a cluster mailbox such as shoveling, salting, and repairs. Additionally, the subdivision lacks sidewalks, making the use of a cluster mailbox a safety concern for elderly residents and children, especially when considering Western New York’s inclement winter weather.

While I strongly disagree with the underlying 2012 decision to utilize cluster mailboxes, I am confident that if the subdivision were being planned today, it would no doubt conform with USPS policy. Unfortunately, due to market constraints, construction was delayed on this project that was designed to pre-2012 standards. As a result, residents are, quite literally, paying the price, being forced to purchase PO boxes and make regular trips to the post office - a burden not shared by any other residents of the town.

For these reasons, on behalf of my constituents, I respectfully request relief from this rule and the allowance of direct curbside delivery for the Whistling Straits subdivision. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Should you have any questions, I welcome your call.

Sincerely,

Timothy M. Kennedy

Member of Congress (NY-26)