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Dear Residents,
The Association would like to provide an update regarding the community’s mailbox replacement project, including the current status, replacement process, and important reminders regarding mailbox security.
Mailbox Replacement Project – Current Status
The Association has received the new Cluster Box Units (CBUs) for the community. The CBUs were delivered on August 25, 2026.
On August 26, 2026, the Association notified the United States Postal Service (USPS) that the new CBUs had been received and were ready for the next steps in the replacement process. On August 28, 2026, USPS provided the Association with information for local contractors who could perform the required demolition and installation work.
The Association began receiving contractor quotes between September 4, 2026, and September 14, 2026. The information and quotes were presented to the Board of Directors at the September 17, 2026 Board Meeting, at which time the Board selected Camilo Garcia Construction to perform the demolition and installation work.
The contractor has since been awarded the project and is currently coordinating with USPS. USPS has advised that they are currently experiencing a shortage of maintenance staff. As a result, the installation will need to be completed over multiple weeks rather than all at once.
At this time, we are still awaiting a confirmed installation schedule from USPS. Once a schedule is provided, the Association will share additional information with the community.
What Is Being Replaced?
The current project focuses on replacing the community's original rear-loading mailbox units, which have been in place since the neighborhood was developed.
The Association is prioritizing mailbox locations based on the condition of the existing units and the ability to repair or secure them. Locations where mail delivery has been suspended because a mailbox cannot be adequately secured or used for mail delivery are among the highest priorities.
The Replacement Process
The mailbox replacement process involves the Association, USPS, and USPS-approved local contractors. The process includes the following steps:
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Mailbox Costs: Each CBU can cost up to approximately $2,200, depending on the size and number of mailbox units within each cluster.
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USPS-Approved Vendors: USPS maintains an approved list of vendors for CBU purchases and a limited list of local contractors authorized to perform demolition, installation, and disposal. This limits the vendors available for the project.
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Fabrication & Shipping: The new CBUs were fabricated and shipped after being ordered. The Association received the new units on August 25, 2026.
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Demolition & Installation: Camilo Garcia Construction was selected by the Board on September 17, 2026, to perform the required demolition and installation.
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Installation Scheduling: Once USPS confirms an installation date, a mail carrier will first remove the mail from the existing CBU. USPS maintenance staff will then remove the existing locks, allowing the contractor to remove the old unit and install the new CBU. Once installation is complete, the contractor will notify USPS. USPS has advised that, due to limited maintenance staffing, installations will be completed over multiple weeks. A confirmed installation schedule has not yet been provided.
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Re-Keying & New Keys: After installation, USPS will re-key the new mailbox locks. This process may take up to one week. Once the locks are ready, residents will need to pick up their new keys from the Heritage Post Office and provide a valid government-issued ID showing the property address.
Because the installation schedule is dependent on USPS maintenance availability, the Association will provide additional updates once confirmed dates are received.
Important Mailbox Security Reminder
No mailbox is theft-proof, regardless of its age or whether it is new or recently installed.
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Check your mailbox daily, whenever possible.
- Do not allow mail to accumulate.
- Place your mail on hold with USPS whenever you will be out of town.
- Report all mailbox break-ins, vandalism, or suspected mail theft to local law enforcement.
- Please also report all mailbox break-ins to the Association office.
Reporting incidents to local law enforcement is especially important. Police reports help law enforcement track criminal activity and establish patterns in our community.
We Appreciate Your Patience
We understand that mailbox issues are frustrating and appreciate the community's patience as we work through the replacement process.
The Association has completed the procurement of the new CBUs, selected the installation contractor, and is currently awaiting USPS coordination for the installation schedule. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and for helping us keep our community informed.
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