The U.S. Postal Service has unexpectedly withdrawn from plans to reopen a post office branch in Allston, Massachusetts, according to Boston-based developer Eden Properties. The agency informed Eden Properties on Thursday that it would no longer occupy space in a new retail and housing development planned at 25-39 Harvard Avenue.

Noah Maslan of Eden Properties expressed disappointment over the decision, calling it an unforeseen reversal given the Postal Service’s prior commitment to the community. Maslan confirmed that a lease agreement had been fully negotiated and construction plans were ready to proceed before the agency’s sudden change of course.

The original Allston post office operated at 47 Harvard Avenue until 2019, when structural problems forced its closure. Last June, the Postal Service sent a letter to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu indicating an intention to reopen a post office location in Allston, though the letter did not specify the address of the proposed facility.

The decision has drawn criticism from local officials and residents who have long sought the return of convenient postal services in the neighborhood. Boston City Council President Liz Breadon, who represents Allston, described the reversal as deeply frustrating for the community. Breadon led efforts to advocate for the post office’s reopening and pledged to continue pursuing solutions to maintain postal services in the area.

Requests for comment from the Postal Service were not immediately returned on Thursday evening. The development at 25-39 Harvard Avenue remains a focal point for efforts to restore a postal presence in Allston, but the agency’s withdrawal has left the project's future uncertain.

The loss of a local branch affects residents and businesses that rely on accessible mailing and shipping services. Allston community members have expressed concern over the inconvenience caused by the absence of a neighborhood post office, underscoring the importance of finding a viable alternative moving forward.