JERSEY CITY – In a sign of the times, the U.S. Postal Service has recommended the closure of two Jersey City post office branches.
The move is part of a government effort to save money at a time when many U.S. residents pay bills and send correspondence online. The U.S. Postal Service loses billions of dollars annually.
Locally, the Five Corners Post Office and another branch on West Side Avenue were on the list of potential closures.
Several other Hudson County post office branches will be affected by the decision. Nationally, about 3,653 post offices have been targeted for possible closure.
The postal service has already cut hours and staff at some offices, and has removed some mailboxes from streets.
While some younger residents in Jersey City may be unfazed by the decision, such cutbacks have been criticized by senior citizens who may lack home computers and the online skills necessary to replace the Postal Service’s human touch.
The post office closures are expected to go into effect after Jan. 1, 2012. – E. Assata Wright