MISSOURI CITY, Texas — For Marion Noble, the last week has been met with anticipation and frustration because she's been waiting for a special package to be delivered.
"They are Christmas gifts," Noble said.
She, like so many others, has items being held at the South Houston Local Processing Center in Missouri City, but what's most aggravating for Noble is that she has no ties to Texas.
"It was in USPS possession on December 11 in Bellefonte Pennsylvania and then it arrived at USPS Missouri City Texas on December 14 and it’s been sitting there ever since," explained Noble.
It’s an all too common scenario that KHOU first reported on Wednesday. Dozens of people have been waiting weeks, and in some cases, more than a month for packages tracked to Missouri City. Everything from medications to supplies for small businesses.
"Almost as if it’s a holding cell for mail," said Noble. "There’s something wrong with the post office system."
It's why Congressman Al Green, who represents the 9th Congressional District where the processing center is located, is now getting involved.
He released the following statement on Saturday:
“Based on KHOU 11 reports, I am very concerned about the potential delays in delivery by the postal service and I am waiting on persons to contact our office with specific issues. My concern has much to do with what has been reported, but it also has a lot to do with the fact that we will have elections in just a few months, and I am concerned about whether the mail ballots will be processed timely. This is an opportunity for us to look into these issues called to our attention by KHOU, as well as to be assured that the ballots are going to be processed timely."
"I certainly hope that an investigation can be initiated and try to find out what is going on," said Noble.
Congressman Al Green's office says they want to hear from anyone who has mail tracked to the South Houston Local Processing Center in Missouri City. Rep. Green said you can also contact his office at (713) 383-9234 or send an email.
Meanwhile, USPS released the following statement this week:
"The Postal Service strives to always provide the best possible service. In this instance, local management has looked into the matter and our research indicates all mail and packages are being processed as they are received at the South Houston Local Processing Center (LPC) in Missouri City, TX. Customers are reminded that, if they need assistance with mailing or shipping concerns, they have a variety of options for reaching us, including contacting their local Post Office, calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or visiting our website at www.usps.com/help. The South Houston LPC is a processing facility and does not offer package pick-up services."