Mailbox Additions

We have a small HOA of 32 residences. We have 2 mailbox clusters of 16 compartments each. Two additional residences are being built on the remaining vacant lots within our complex. As a result, 2 additional compartments will need to be added resulting in the replacement of the existing 16 compartment clusters. Is this the financial responsibility of the HOA, or should the developer of the 2 new residences be responsible for paying for the new mailboxes? (Estimated cost to replace existing clusters is $3,300.)

Thanks for your input.

The lots being developed were a part of the original developer's fenced backyard from 1985 until several months ago. With the owner's passing a couple of months ago, the Estate decided to tear down the fence and put the lots up for sale. This situation was not anticipated when the two 16 compartment clusters where installed 28 years ago.

Our mailbox clusters are on our reserves schedule. Are yours?

TimB4 - The original developer is out of the picture. It's going to be tough sell to tell the current residents that they have to come up with $3,300 to pay for mailboxes for their new neighbors. Thanks for your input.

CarolR11 - We are a very small HOA and new clusters were not on our radar.

LarryB13 - Good questions. The $3,300 estimate was provided by the mailbox provider. While it may be more cost effective to add a new 2 or 4 box cluster to the mailbox pad, we have a concern about how such a configuration would look. This aesthetic issue aside, the responsibility for the additional cost is still a question.

The original mailboxes were installed by the developer in 1985 (included in the purchase price for each house). They were replaced about 10 years ago because they had become really dated and looked terrible. The HOA paid for the replacement. I concur that it seems that the new developer needs to provide a means for the mail to be delivered, but I'd like to know if there is some precedent in this regard.

Thanks...

Ironically, mailbox clusters are rare and not necessarily offered by the Post office any more. They are mostly contracted out now to outside sources. Which there are just a few available. It used to be that one could purchase such things from the USPS. I would look for a few options online and talk to the USPS on their regulations. Mailboxes do have legal requlations in regards to size and how high they are off the ground. Should be a free brochure in your local post office to help.

My believe is that the developer building the units are responsible for providing the mail access. That is NOT the HOA. Now, the HOA may develop a new option. Our HOA has cluster boxes and over 100 of them. What we did is to build a "House" like structure around the boxes. It's at the very front of the complex. It has a roof, an alcove area, and a place for a bulletin board. It's like a miniature "bus stop" but with the structure matching the homes. If you would like something aesthetically pleasing to look at that is a good option. That option then I would say would be something the HOA would have to pay for after the new mailbox clusters are installed.

Remember when you say the HOA pays for something, that cost is split amongst ALL the HOA members. When you state that the developer should pay, the money comes out of the developer's pocket. I think combining the two where the developer may buy the new mailboxes and the HOA a "cover" structure around it, may be a good option to explore here. It will be nearly impossible to find matching mailbox clusters now a days. So maybe a compromise may be in store to make the boxes more appealing and offering some protection.

Are there even more vacant lots? Would it make sense to add another cluster, even though only 2 will be used immediately?

All of the high rise condos in my neighborhood and the commercial high rises too have cluster mailboxes. For the few here who are in high rise HOAs: it's a pretty good idea to have them on your reserves schedule.