NATO May Affect Mail Delivery

From Alderman Fioretti (2nd Ward) comes this note about NATO and normal life: Operational changes will take place in the Downtown Chicago area to accommodate planned activities associated with the 2012 NATO Summit and necessary security requirements. While the actual Summit will be held at McCormick Place, other events, protests/rallies, and designated secured transportation routes for delegates will impact retail locations. The possible impacts could occur from now until May 22,  with peak impacts from May 18-22. Customers can expect the following:

• Possible Mail Service Delays – Some modest service impacts are anticipated for mail destined for 606 zip codes. Contingency plans are being implemented to minimize these impacts. Mailers are encouraged to plan accordingly to meet desired in-home expectations.
• Retail Operations – Customers may experience delays and detours while trying to access these facilities.
• Mail Pick-up – Businesses that pick-up mail from the Postal Service should make sure that employees picking up have valid identification. If your company utilizes a third party vendor, in addition to a valid id, they must have a document with your company letterhead authorizing them to pick up. Due to delays in transporting mail within the Downtown area, PO Office Box mail availability could be delayed to later pick up time.
• Delivery and Collections – Some customers may experience delays as carriers’ normal delivery routes may be modified to work around events/protests. Customers may find a number of collection boxes removed or sealed in the Downtown area for security reasons.