Local man complains about UPS drop boxes

In response to our UPS post, reader Mike writes:

I really hate the UPS dropboxes. I don't know if you realize that UPS bombarded our neighborhood with them (see map from UPS site). How many of these boxes do we really need? Check on the UPS website and you'll see nabes like Park Slope don't receive the same treatment. Maybe it is because it's in front of my building, but I'm not a fan of these. They add to the visual blight of the already cluttered street. Inside or in front of a commercial building makes sense, but I live on a mostly residential block.

Frankly I'm kind of surprised that UPS just plopped these down. Do they have any legal right to suddenly place these all over our neighborhood? One or two dropboxes, maybe. But five in 1 1/2 miles?

You ask a good question. I hadn't really thought about this, which is funny because in a previous life, we went after businesses dumping clothing "recycling boxes" without permission (here and here). I probably didn't think about it because I actually like UPS and appreciate the service. If you don't, write UPS and let them know how you feel, or call 311 and complain if you think the boxes pose a sidewalk hazard. Let us know what you find out.

That said, I'm pretty wary of your conspiracy theory. There's a 7th Avenue copy shop and a Staples in Center Slope, both of which accept UPS packages. So if there aren't drop boxes there, perhaps that's because drop boxes aren't needed. Also, the two boxes in PLG are on Flatbush and Parkside — both commercial strips, not residential streets. Perhaps you're referring to another box but, if so, you don't mention it.

Comments

[Mike Local Man]

thanks for posting my letter! The dropbox on Flatbush is in front of an apt building mostly a mixed use area. Commercial on the ground floor and residential above like Slope's 7th Ave. It's not like they dropped it in front of Fat Alberts which would have been a better place. There are more UPS drop off locations than you realize? There's one or two by the Empire post office and one by Church Avenue post office (though they don't appear on UPS site much like the Slope copy shop). Anyway I don't think we need 5 dropboxes regardless! Let my people go, UPS.

[Scott]

What about USPS Drop Boxes? I think our neighborhood is definitely under served when it comes to the Good ol' U.S. Postal Service.

[Pete]

Scott raises a good point. Here's a conspiracy theory for you Carrie: go to Google maps, type in your address and then search for "post office."

Look at Park Slope and look at us.