Legislative Pulse

The CAA Legislative Pulse is a monthly newsletter designed to keep Charleston Apartment Association members abreast of topical political news impacting the industry.  The CAA Legislative Pulse is released to members the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Charleston Chamber of Commerce Legislative Appreciation Reception   August 6  6 - 8pm  Founders Hall 1500 Old Towne Road Charleston, SC  29407  Cost: $50, Chamber members only      The 2013 Legislative Session has concluded and to thank the members of our state legislative delegation for their support of the business community's legislative agenda the Chamber is holding an appreciation reception.  One member of our delegation will be awarded with the Chamber's Glenn McConnell Elected Leadership Award as well as honoring several others for their tremendous work in the State House this year. This event is the chance to personally thank our legislative delegation for all of their hard work throughout the 2013 session.  For event information, please contact Jeremy Cauthen at 805-3075 or jcauthen@charlestonchamber.org. Postal Service Initiates Mail Delivery Changes As part of an effort to reduce delivery costs, some local postmasters have advised apartment owners and managers in some states that mail deliveries to new addresses, including apartment communities, will be made to outdoor "cluster box units" (CBUs) instead of traditional mailboxes inside the apartment building.  The notices indicate the postal service also plans to deliver packages to secure parcel lockers instead of locations such as leasing offices and concierge desks for residents to retrieve them. These notices indicate that the local postmasters have authority to initiate delivery changes through the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postal Operations Manual; however, USPS says it is not currently planning forced conversions to centralized delivery for properties with established service.  USPS says it will purchase and install CBUs without charge for apartment communities currently receiving regular delivery, if they voluntarily request centralized delivery service. NAA/NMHC have requested clarification from USPS on its delivery policies for apartment communities and the process to appeal delivery decisions.