Congressman Helps Get Vandalized Wyckoff Mailbox Replaced

WYCKOFF, NJ — A new mailbox was installed at the post office on Greenwood Avenue thanks to the effort of Rep. Josh Gottheimer.

The "snorkel" style mailbox, the kind that can be driven up to and mail dropped in, was vandalized earlier this year and had to be removed.

The post office reported to Wyckoff police that a sticky substance was found in both outside mailboxes there.

"This is consistent with recent criminal activity where persons are using the glue attached to empty bottles and lowering them into the mailbox to 'fish' mail out of the box," said Wyckoff Police Lt. Joseph Soto.

The post office reported June 13 that both mailboxes were forced open and damaged. They were both removed.

This created an increase in traffic in the parking lot and surrounding roads, which led to safety concerns for officials and frustrations for residents.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer heard what happened and sent a letter to Eric Henry, manager of the United States Post Office's northern New Jersey district.

A new mailbox, a bigger "snorkel"-style model, was installed Monday.

"We've got to be there for people and take care of the small stuff, along with the big stuff," Gottheimer said. "This was important and I'm glad I was able to help."

Mayor Brian Scanlan was appreciative of Gottheimer's effort. He, along with fellow committeemen Tim Shanley and Thomas, Madigan worked with Gottheimer to get the box replaced.

"It's great to have the mailbox back," Scanlan said. "I'm thankful that Congressman Gottheimer was able to help."

Madigan agreed.

"The issue goes back to June and with constant pressure from Tim Shanley and me along with many residents on the post office, that we initiated and I personally reached out to our congressman in July, Madigan said. "We were both happy that the new drive-in mailbox was just installed at Wyckoff post office."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Patch file photo by Carly Baldwin