Crest Hill, Shorewood adapt to new ZIP codes
Postal customers in Crest Hill and Shorewood began a transition to a new ZIP code on July 1.
The towns previously had shared ZIP codes with Joliet. Crest Hill went from 60435 to 60403, and Shorewood changed from 60431 to 60404.
(Michael R. Schmidt / Staff Photographer)
Crest Hill got a new ZIP code because the post office was running out of four-digit extensions for 60435, and Shorewood got a change because of explosive growth in its population. The post office establishes a one-year grace period for delivering mail with an old ZIP code.
Postal officials at the south suburban mail center in Bedford Park said the ZIP code change would allow them to better sort, ship and deliver mail to the area. Complaints from residents in Crest Hill and Shorewood cover many issues.
Shorewood resident Cindy Powers said this week that she still gets mail with the wrong ZIP code or showing her address as being in Joliet. She said she has had to call her credit card companies in order to get a change.
"The computer systems seem to be kicking out the same information on mailers as prior to July 1," she said. "I was told to give the system six months to change. I think I've given them enough time."
Andrea DiVecchio, the co-owner of PostNet in Shorewood, said the new ZIP code is not recognized when she tries to make online purchases or uses MapQuest. She said one customer told how her health insurance lapsed because the company did not recognize the new ZIP code and thus did not mail a renewal notice.
Shorewood Village Administrator Kurt Carroll said he has received few complaints from residents about the change. Carroll said mail from utility companies and national companies, such as retailers and credit card companies, recently began arriving with the new ZIP code.
"The post office said there would be a delay of six months in the changeover, and that is what has happened," he said.
In Crest Hill, Mayor Nick Churnovic said many residents have complimented him on the change and "that for the most part, most people are happy about it.
But resident Pat Perrier said she has had problems making online purchases and requesting deliveries through United Parcel Service. To complete an order with UPS, she had to give the old ZIP code to get the delivery sent.
"Every month since the ZIP code was changed, I flip over the bill and write in the new ZIP code where it asks for an address change," Perrier said. "And every month, my bill arrives with the same old ZIP code."
-- Ken O'Brien
