MAILBOX DESIGN CONCEPTS October 8, 2015
INTRODUCTION To initiate conversation between the public, staff and the Board of Directors on mailbox design options Information and discussion only; no action to be taken tonight Direction to Staff will shape next steps Concept to be finalized at a subsequent Board Meeting
NEEDS Mail theft is most obvious concern but there are many other reasons to consider a mailbox project Optimization Current conditions Safety Maintenance Community Revitalization
MAINTENANCE & SAFETY CONCERNS Not secure Vandalized Routinely damaged and hit by cars Inadequate setbacks and turnouts
REVITALIZATION Likely the third most visible element after roads and the entry gate 3,000+ reminders of a legacy of deferred maintenance This certainly influences public perception and in turn property values
DESIGN CHALLENGE Design taste is subjective. A community standard must emphasize the greater community need rather than individual preferences Bear Valley is an eclectic mix of home types ranging from original small vacation cabins to large modern homes, comprised of many architectural styles Observe the first few houses across from the District office and note the dramatic size and style differences
DESIRED OUTCOMES Restore Bear Valley s prominence as a premier community through revitalization and updating the design elements Preserve the distinctiveness of the Bear Valley Community and establish a legacy for existing and future residents Complement the best features of the Bear Valley Community and emphasize the unique aspects that make this a great place to live, play, and relax Adopt concept residents will support and are willing to invest in the form of an assessment (election)
PRIOR DIRECTION General consensus on a theme of Understated Elegance through Past Board discussions and presentations on Revitalization, Design Standards, Entry Gate Project, and Mailbox Project. Understated Elegance means subtle touches of style not over the top not overly stylized or thematic a traditional or classic look that complements the character and charm of Bear Valley Previous mailbox discussions emphasized a pedestal type cluster box unit Review of other design alternatives before finalizing concept
OPTIONS A basic Google image search will reveal thousands of alternatives However, final product selection and installation are governed by United States Postal Service (USPS) standards There are several lists of USPS approved manufacturers and products specific to Curbside Mailbox Stations, Neighborhood Delivery Centers, and Cluster Box Units As we view the alternatives, you will note many times the same product is used with different mounting and installation methods
USPS APPROVED
DECERTIFIED PRODUCTS It should be noted that Neighborhood Delivery & Collection Box Units (NDCBU) and many Outside Parcel Lockers (OPLs) have been decertified by the USPS
THREE MAJOR CATEGORIES Curbside Mailbox Stations Neighborhood Delivery Centers Cluster Box Units
CURBSIDE MAILBOX STATIONS
CURBSIDE MAILBOX STATIONS PROS Potentially less expensive depending on type Most options of three categories Use of Road funds for road improvements Similar to current configuration Easiest to replace single box (not whole unit) CONS Least secure of all categories Larger footprint required, limits optimization Requires a mounting structure Current upkeep and maintenance issues potentially remain
NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY CENTER A free-standing, sheltered, or enclosed installation containing a large number of individually locked, wall-mounted boxes, indoor or outdoor
NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY CENTER
NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY CENTER PROS Most secure of three categories Wall mounted requires a structure which may be customized May be the most aesthetically pleasing May provide additional protection from the elements CONS Most expensive of the three categories (construction, maintenance, insurance) Larger footprint likely will not fit on roadside, requiring new locations and eliminating use of Road funds Cost necessitates fewer locations, may increase congestion Greater visual impact Most graffiti & vandalism prone Likely requires building permits
CLUSTER BOX UNITS
CLUSTER BOX UNITS PROS Ease of maintenance and replacement Highly secure, integrated parcel lockers Best chance for full location optimization Blends well with other site furniture options Use of Road funds for road improvements Highest likelihood of success (price point, site options, installation, positive feedback to date) CONS Entire unit must be replaced in case of damage Mid-aesthetic appeal Limited customization Customized stands may increase cost Requires concrete pads for mounting
CONCEPTS TO DATE
CONCEPTS TO DATE
CONCEPTS TO DATE
NEXT STEPS Tonight: Discussion leading to consensus on category type Curbside Mailbox Stations Neighborhood Delivery Center Cluster Box Unit Order demonstration models as selected by Board Preliminary cost estimates and scope of work
NEXT STEPS Next Meeting(s) Present refined concept, review demonstration models Approve concept plan, including product type Proceed with Design Development Initiate assessment process and election Bidding and construction phase upon successful election
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