New Harbeson Post Office nears reality

A United States Postal Service representative says a project to replace a post office in Harbeson is moving forward.

Ray Daiutolo, head of corporate communications for the South Jersey and Philadelphia District, said officials are in the final stages of approving plans with Sussex County officials and required road work with Delaware Department of Transportation officials.

“I received an update earlier this week indicating we are very close to having all of that complete,” Daiutolo said.

The process to get a new post office at the small crossroads between Lewes and Georgetown began when the existing post office was closed at the end of 2018 to make way for a new Royal Farms convenience store.

The post office was located in a small shopping center at the Route 9-Harbeson Road intersection along with Harbeson Deli. The center was demolished.

During a meeting with Harbeson residents, postal service officials said it would take about six months to a year to select a new location and get a post office, either new construction or a modular building.

Since the post office was closed, 200 post office box holders have had to travel to the Georgetown Post Office.

The site of the new post office is a small parcel at 18865 Harbeson Road owned by Harbeson Farm Revex LLC.

On Oct. 22, 2019, Sussex County Council approved a rezoning application from MR, medium-density residential, and AR-1, agricultural-residential, to B-2 community business district filed by the property owner for a .8-acre parcel, about one-half mile south of the Route 9 intersection.

TIMELINE

Sept. 30, 2018 – Harbeson Deli, in the same shopping center as the post office, closes its doors; center has been sold to make way for a Royal Farms convenience store

Nov. 14, 2018 – U.S. Postal Service announces closure and relocation of Harbeson Post Office

Dec. 29, 2018 – Post office closes its doors

Sept. 2019 – Parcel along Route 5 south of intersection at 18865 Harbeson Road is selected for new facility

Sept. 12, 2019 – Sussex County Planning and Zoning holds public hearing on rezoning application filed by Harbeson Farm Revex LLC for post office site and recommends approval

Oct. 22, 2019 – Sussex County Council approves rezoning application