Clinton Street Post Office Targeted For Possible Closure

The U.S. Postal Service is considering closing 25 post offices in Manhattan this fall, including the Pitt Station location on Clinton Street. Financial troubles tied to the recession, but also less reliance on the snail mail these days, has caused the USPS to look at cutting costs nationwide. A notice on the door of the small post office, located between Grand Street and East Broadway, says residents might be forced to go to the Knickerbocker Station, about a half mile away on East Broadway.

The Postal Service has sent a list of about 700 locations that are being studied for possible closing or consolidation to the Postal Regulatory Commission. They’ll be looking at factors such as customer access, service standards, cost savings,
impact on employees, environmental impact, real estate values and
long-term Postal Service needs. The closings would probably not take place until October, the beginning of a new fiscal year.

As you can see by this picture taken yesterday, the Pitt Station Post Office is heavily used. The Seward Park Co-op got early word about the possible closure, since it’s the landlord of the space the Postal Service leases on Clinton Street. Frank Durant, the Co-op’s general manager, sent a letter to residents, urging a phone and letter campaign to keep the post office open. The notice from the USPS says, “We value your opinions during this review process.”  It adds that consumers can comment about the changes by writing by Auguest 14th:

You can also fill out a questionnaire at the Post Office. Michael Tumminia, president of the Seward Park Housing Corporation, noted that there are many elderly residents who rely on the convenience of the Pitt Station Office. He said the Co-op is determined to make its concerns heard. The letter from the Co-op also suggested residents get in touch with elected officials, including State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. You can follow the links to their web sites.