Archived Articles

“Do or Die” Time for Postal Reform in 113th Congress

Lobbyist UpdateBy admin 03/15/2014

As we enter the spring and prepare for election season to ramp-up, now is “do or die” time for postal reform in the 113th Congress. As we know from our previous endeavors, if Congress fails to act before the 114th Congress is sworn in this January, the process of postal reform will start over in both Chambers.

That being said, we are beginning to see some movement in the House of Representatives with staff briefing leadership and members on the various provisions and plans in the Postal Reform Act.

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“Holdovers”

EducationBy admin 03/04/2014

By Tom Coe and Phil Wilson of Real Estate Asset Counseling What a distasteful word –”Holdovers.” It reminds many people of the “leftovers” for lunch or dinner when we would rather enjoy the pleasure of a fresh, newly prepared meal. The correlation is not too hard to make, since a “holdover” in the context of…

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USPS is Responsible for Changing Burned-Out Light Bulbs

Tip of the MonthBy admin 03/04/2014

It is the responsibility of the Postal Service to change burned- out light bulbs in leased facilities. The T-12 florescent light bulbs are no longer available in the catalog; however, they are available elsewhere. The Postal Service has advised its personnel not to substitute T-12 bulbs with T-8 bulbs as they do not work even…

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Lessors Beware: Perform Annual, Physical Inspections of Your Postal Buildings

EducationBy admin 02/04/2014

by AUSPL Board Member Mark Dattel As Postal lessors we all want to ensure that our buildings are being properly maintained whether maintenance is the responsibility of the USPS, the owner or a combination of the two. It is incumbent upon us as lessors to inspect our buildings for any deficient maintenance and notify the…

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USPS Increases Postage, Package Rates

Tip of the MonthBy admin 02/04/2014

On January 26, the U.S. Postal Service will institute changes in mail service pricing, including a 3-cent increase on stamps from $0.46 to $0.49 for First Class letters (1 oz.), as well as a 1-cent increase on each additional ounce from $0.20 to $0.21. Postcard rates will increase by 1 cent to $0.34 from…

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Postal Reform Measures Included in 2014 Omnibus Spending Bill

Lobbyist UpdateBy admin 01/20/2014

Although comprehensive postal reform has yet to move forward, leaders in the House and Senate chose to include some restrictions on the Postal Service in the recently passed “omnibus” spending bill that will fund the government through September of 2014.

The $1.1T (yes, that’s a T for Trillion!) federal spending bill ended up 1,582 pages long and contained two policy restrictions on the USPS. Page 541 of the bill bars the USPS from discontinuing Saturday delivery as well as restricting the closure of rural post offices.

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UPDATE: CBRE Commission

Tip of the MonthBy admin 01/03/2014

If the CBRE agent is a transaction specialist or a transaction manager, it is likely he/she is not a licensed real estate agent in the state where your post office is located. So, after doing your homework to discover the fair market value of your building and knowing what rent you are willing to accept,…

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USPS Moves Out of Your Building: What are Your Options Now?

NewsBy admin 12/03/2013

In its efforts to cut costs, USPS officials announced their desire to close 3,600 post offices in July 2011 and to eventually close up to 15,000 buildings nationwide, along with half their mail processing centers. Postal lessors and customers fought back and in December 2011, USPS agreed to a six-month moratorium on closings, which ended…

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Tax Reimbursements: Reimbursed Only Once Per Year

Tip of the MonthBy admin 12/02/2013

If you have a tax reimbursement rider in your USPS lease, it’s up to you to request a reimbursement. For tax riders prior to 1998, USPS will typically not pay special assessments; however, USPS will pay for assessments in leases that contain the tax rider dated 1998 or later. Currently, the Postal Service reimburses…

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Postal Service Looks to Relax Termination Clause Requirement in Post Office Leases

Member Only PostsBy admin 11/19/2013

AUSPL Board Members Gary Phillips and Morgan Wolaver recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Mr. Tom Samra, USPS V.P. of Facilities, and Mr. Tom Russell, USPS Facilities National Manager of Real Estate Assets & Leasing. The nature of the meeting was an ongoing discussion on leasing terms but included avenues to work together…

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