I realize that you’re looking for some one close by and I respect that. But if you are unsuccessful in finding someone and are willing to ship. Contact Rick at audio alternative.com, if you don’t have a box he will ship you one and give detailed instructions to pack it.
I have only had one LP12 but have watched Rick work on LP12’s for years and in short if he were brain surgeon, and I had a tumor, I’d go see Dr Rick. If it can be fixed he will make it right and probably has the parts in stock.
Again I am just throwing this out there in case you don’t find someone close by.