NAHB also disagrees with an expected mandate for the installation of parcel lockers, which could add significantly to construction costs, not only for the lockers themselves, but also for the additional walls and floor space that would be needed to accommodate them.
The Postal Service has indicated to NAHB that it will give local postmasters the discretion not to require parcel lockers if building owners provide alternative package handling strategies instead. Again, however, the authority to require parcel lockers would remain at the discretion of local postmasters.
NAHB also remains concerned over the possibly higher cost of the new mailboxes. Manufacturers have estimated cost increases of 15%-30% because of the more stringent manufacturing requirements that would be needed to comply with the rule, but have conceded that they won’t really know for sure until they start producing them. NAHB is worried that the actual cost could substantially exceed estimates.
Appreciating the challenges faced by the Post Office in providing efficient and secure mail service and not opposing the effort to improve that service, NAHB has said, however, that any new requirements to achieve that goal must be cost-effective and balanced with the challenges builders face in providing safe, affordable housing.
For more information, e-mail Jeff Inks or call him at 800-368-5242 x8547.
2004 NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference & Awards Gala
Don’t miss the Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference and Awards Gala, the premier educational and networking event of the year for the multifamily industry, in Palm Springs, CA, March 28-30. Explore both the current and future state of the multifamily industry. Click here for more information.
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