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The United States Postal Service announced recently it would look into leasing the land and building at 410 E. St. Clair Street, currently owned and occupied by Romeo Rent-All, to house the office’s new location.

“I think it is great that they are still here in the village limits,” said Marian McLaughlin, village clerk, who added that combining this with other new projects scheduled for that area will improve the gateway into the community.

The USPS has been seeking a new location for several months after it was determined that its current location in the village wasn’t large enough to accommodate its needs or the needs of the residents of the surrounding area.

Jim Kolva, a consultant who works with the USPS, has been involved with finding a new location since the project was first proposed at the beginning of the year.

Kolva said Romeo Rent-All filled several needs that were important to the USPS and the village, which is why it was chosen.

“It is in the village of Romeo, which was an important thing,” he said. “We wanted something in the center of the village, which is something we always try to find ... We are fairly close to the center and still in the boundaries.”

Kolva said it was also important that the new site be located near M-53, which Romeo Rent-All is.

Kolva said parking, which had been an issue at the previous location, will be adequate for the area’s needs at the new site.

“We advertised for roughly 5,300 square feet,” Kolva said. “This parcel is larger than that.”

The size of the site needed is determined by the USPS through a formula that takes into account personnel, the amount of routes, and the amount of parking needed to accommodate employees, customers and postal vehicles.

Before the transition into the new establishment takes place, Kolva said the USPS will go through a process to determine if the site is appropriate with an environmental assessment, historical clearance, and appraisal of the property and building.

“The owner offering the property will coordinate with the postal service to make sure the building is ready,” Kolva said.

Kolva said the post office should change locations in approximately one year.

“People will be able to ride their bike out there and then get on the (Macomb Orchard Trail),” said McLaughlin.