FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 29, 2010

University Neighborhood and Miracle Mile to hold “Good News” Rally
Community to celebrate saving post office with Congressman Jerry McNerney and Councilmember Diana Lowery

Congressman Jerry McNerney and Councilmember Diana Lowery will join the University Neighborhood Renaissance Committee and the Miracle Mile for a “Good News” rally to celebrate saving the Tuxedo Park Station. The rally will take place on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at 1:30 pm in front of the Tuxedo Park Station, 2616 Pacific Avenue.

The decision to keep the post office open followed intense lobbying from community organizations and neighbors and involvement and assistance from elected officials. The Miracle Mile Improvement District and the University Neighborhood Renaissance Committee held a public rally last month and delivered over 1,300 signatures in support of the Tuxedo Park Station.

Councilmember Diana Lowery was pleased with the decision. “I am delighted that the U.S. Postal Service won’t be closing the Tuxedo Park Station and redirecting patrons to branches outside this area,” Lowery said. “This Station is a vital part of our community and the neighborhood. We thank the Postal Service for hearing our concerns and keeping Tuxedo Park open. They heard us loud and clear, ‘Keep it open, keep it here.’”

Tuxedo Park Station was under consideration for closure as part of the U.S. Postal Services’ nationwide consolidation effort to reduce expenses in light of the softening mail market. There were more than 3,200 offices under review nationwide. Closure of the station would have forced residents to use the West Lane Post Office, which is over 1.5 miles away. Seniors and disabled residents feared they would have a hardship traveling farther for mailing services.

“The neighbors came out in force and demonstrated through petition signing, online blogs, letters and a rally the deep desire and need to keep Tuxedo Park open,” said Emily Ballus, Executive Director of the Miracle Mile Improvement District. “We truly appreciate the efforts of Congressman Jerry McNerney and the Stockton City Council, led by Councilmember Diana Lowery, for championing this cause all the way to Washington on behalf of the citizens.”

University Neighborhood Renaissance Committee Co-Chair Clem Lee applauded neighbors who rallied and spoke out for the post office. “The Tuxedo Park Post Office is engrained in the heart and character of the University Neighborhood,” said Lee. “This is what the University Neighborhood Renaissance Committee is all about: engaging citizens with government for positive results where we live.”

About the Miracle Mile Improvement District.
The MMID, a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization, is the second property-based improvement district to be formed by property owners in Stockton. The governance of the MMID is a collaborative effort between merchants and property owners within its new boundaries which encompass Pacific Avenue north of Harding Way to Alpine Avenue and Harding Way, west of El Dorado Street to east of Lincoln Street. The mission of the MMID is to provide improved services to the District which shall include enhanced maintenance and security services, marketing, management and advocacy with a goal to revitalize and improve local business and establish the Miracle Mile as a vibrant, safe, and pedestrian-friendly place to shop, dine, and explore.

Next MMID Board Meeting
Stay tuned for next date and location.