As developers and city officials consider ways to remodel and revitalize downtown Lawrence, they need to remember that, in addition to drawing more nonresidents, downtown also needs to continue to attract and serve the residents of Lawrence.

This thought arises in connection with the city’s position on relocating the main Lawrence post office, now located at Seventh and Vermont streets.

The post office site has been identified as a prime spot for downtown redevelopment. Its location overlooking Watson Park makes it attractive for a new public library, retail or residential uses.

About a year ago, city commissioners sent post office officials a letter that said they wouldn’t object to the post office moving from downtown if retail operations were maintained in the area to allow people to buy stamps, mail packages and collect mail from post office boxes.

On Tuesday, city commissioners decided to send another letter to postal officials that seems a little more pushy. The letter says the commission “would like to reaffirm its support of the relocation” to “help facilitate redevelopment of our vibrant downtown district.” The letter also reiterates the commission’s desire to maintain retail postal services in downtown either by the post office or a contractor.

One wonders how the postal service will take this diplomatic but direct invitation to leave downtown. Commissioners are right to try to keep retail postal services in downtown, but their request seems a bit presumptuous. There may actually be advantages to having the postal distribution center elsewhere, but what motivation do postal officials have to bear the additional expense of maintaining a retail operation at or near the location they are being politely asked to vacate?

It’s also been suggested that retail postal services might be part of a private business or a public building like the library. That may be workable but only if access and parking availability for the postal services are at least as convenient as they are now. In a city the size of Lawrence, a post office is an important part of the central business district.

Commissioners also are right that the new Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area opens up many opportunities to redevelop downtown and encourage tourism in the area. And, as Mayor Sue Hack said Tuesday, “Simply maintaining the status quo” is not the key to downtown’s future success.

Changes are needed, and it’s good to think creatively about the future of downtown. Increasing visitor traffic there is a good goal, but it’s also important for the area to continue to be a hub of services and activity for Lawrence residents as well.