The City of Melissa’s growth is evident at its Post Office, where residents’ mail is often handled in an open area next to the parking lot or sorted under a tent.
“I’ve witnessed the city expand from about 4,000 to over 20,000 people, so it’s clear the Post Office needs to be expanded,” said Wylie Sims, a Melissa resident.
In 2022, Melissa’s city manager informed NBC 5 that the city had requested an upgrade for the facility from the U.S. Postal Service and a former congressman. Since then, the situation has remained largely unchanged despite continued population growth.
A similar situation is unfolding in Forney, where the Post Office is undergoing renovations. A sign posted in the window indicates that retail services will temporarily move to trailers starting in September during the ongoing renovation.
Natasha Rivera, a Forney resident for nearly 20 years, noted the need for a larger Post Office given the area’s current population. Although she has never experienced issues with the facility, she believes an upgrade is necessary.
In response, a USPS representative stated:
“As a vital part of the communities we serve, including Melissa and Forney, the U.S. Postal Service is committed to providing excellent service. Both cities have seen significant population growth in recent years. We are continuously assessing the needs of these communities and planning to ensure efficient and timely postal services. In Melissa, we are working on a permanent solution to address the area’s expansion, including recent additions to delivery routes at the Melissa Post Office. Similarly, efforts are underway in Forney to accommodate the rapid growth. We remain in communication with stakeholders regarding the status of our operations and the solutions we are implementing. The Postal Service appreciates the patience of our customers and the dedication of our employees as we work to deliver high-quality service to both the Melissa and Forney communities.”