December 23, 2016

Appeal of Results

An appeal has been mailed via certified mail and regular mail to the appropriate parties. The foundation of the appeal relates to the survey methodology used for rural mail delivery. The appeal highlights weaknesses in the process and aims to improve the procedure for not only our ZIP Code boundary change request, but others, to ensure a highly accurate vote.

December 22, 2016

Survey Results Are In

The USPS survey results are in:

514 surveys mailed by USPS
299 returned
132 YES (Thank you!), 44%
166 No, 55%
1 No Preference

Based on the survey results, the US Postal Service will be unable to move forward with the requested change. I am pleased that more than 50% were returned, and pleased with our effort.

From the beginning of this endeavor around Memorial Day Weekend earlier this year, we had a strong campaign. I am optimistic that with more time and outreach, we can turn the votes on this matter. It would have only taken 17 No voters to flip to a Yes, and we would have succeeded.

We can submit another survey request in 10 years. A lot can happen in ten years with the current population and demographic, as well as continued knowledge and outreach about this issue.  Please use your network and knowledge on the matter to discuss this when appropriate over the next 10 years.  It simply makes sense to update the ZIP code, so, while this is a setback for now, and possibly 10 years, it is not over.

For now, an appeal will be submitted as there may be irregularities in the survey methodology.

November 8, 2016

How You Can Help

The first phase of mailing form letters has concluded.

The US Postal Service sent surveys in early November 2016.  The survey response deadline was 30 days later, December 8, 2016

You can contribute to a fund supporting this effort.  The fundraiser will help with costs for advertising to inform and educate those affected by way of targeted post cards, lawn signs, Facebook advertising, and Jefferson AIM ads.  The contribution site is: https://www.youcaring.com/lakeshawneezipchange.  Alternatively, you can use the Contact link, and I will provide an address for check, cash, or money order.

Lastly, please join our Facebook group for updates.

September 6, 2016

Why Change Lake Shawnee's ZIP Code?

The Lake Shawnee Reservation is surrounded by a Lake Hopatcong mailing address to the north, west, and south.  To the east is protected land part of the North Jersey Highlands.  There are two entrances and one exit by vehicle.  The homes and businesses surrounding the methods of egress and ingress are served by the Lake Hopatcong, NJ  07849 post office, making such a change presumably more efficient for the US Postal Service.

The ZIP code change request is being made for several of the reasons identified in the CRS Report for Congress, including but not limited to:
  • Lack of Proper Community Identity
  • Lake Shawnee is not Geographically Close to Wharton
  • Lake Shawnee is More Similar to Lake Hopatcong than Wharton
    • Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849 is not a Municipality, but is Generally Known to be the Municipality of Jefferson Township, NJ.
Please support the change of ZIP code serving the Lake Shawnee Reservation from Wharton, NJ 07885 to Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.