The U.S. Postal Service plans to relocate its Ostend Street branch, prompting community concerns that the South Baltimore peninsula could be left without a post office.

Baltimore Postmaster Mike Furey said postal officials are meeting with neighborhood groups and elected officials for suggestions for a new site. Furey said the branch will remain in the 21230 ZIP code, but it could move from South Baltimore to Southwest neighborhoods such as Morrell Park, Pigtown or Westport.

Some residents enjoy the ambience of the cramped branch at 146 W. Ostend St., but postal officials say it is too small to accommodate the growing number of customers -- and mail -- in the area.

Any new site must have more parking and additional room for the retail stores common in many post offices, Furey said.

Pub Date: 2/05/99