The Eau Claire Redevelopment Authority has marked the U.S. Postal Service’s request for a six-month lease extension “return to sender,” which means the downtown post office will have to find a new home by the end of September. Getting the post office out of its current location at 126 N. Barstow St. is key to building a new downtown parking ramp, which in turn is key to accommodating the employees of several big downtown employers as well as visitors to nearby Phoenix Park and other downtown amenities.

In April, the postal service – knowing its current lease expired Sept. 30 – announced it would move its Eau Claire operations a few blocks away to 225 E. Madison St., a space previously occupied by a short-lived downtown grocer, Charly’s Market. However, postal officials recently asked for a six-month lease extension.

According to today’s Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire City Manager Russ Van Gompel said, “We are willing to work with (the post office), but we aren’t willing to extend their lease for six months.” According to the L-T:

 RDA members voted 5-0 against the six-month extension, saying it would delay the parking ramp project.

“You have to weigh the inconvenience (of a delay) to everyone else,” RDA member Jeff Halloin said about extending the lease.

The RDA purchased the post office in November to make space for a parking ramp to accommodate JAMF Software and RCU employees. The RCU corporate office is nearby, next to Phoenix Park, as is the new JAMF building nearing completion.

RDA members said they are willing to work with post office officials but said the agency is responsible for reapplying for a shorter extension if they decide to do so.

“Now the ball is in their court,” RDA member Marty Green said.

 Check out the full L-T story here.