Dear Editor:
We are writing today to explain a joint letter we sent to U.S. Postmaster General Michael Donahoe this week. We wanted to publicly and vocally express our opposition to the potential closing of Hoboken’s West End Post Office. Three of Hoboken’s four Post Offices are being considered for permanent closing by the US Postal Service, leaving only the downtown River Street Office to serve the entire city.
We are asking Postmaster Donahoe to consider the unique needs of Hoboken’s Third and Fourth Wards. The Post Office on Fifth and Grand is essential for the people who live nearby, especially the senior residents. Without it, they would have to walk more than half a mile to buy stamps, send letters and packages, and pay bills.
The importance of this office to the people it serves cannot be stressed enough. It would be callous to turn our backs on those who cannot afford the convenience of Internet access. Together, we represent thousands of people who lack the means or savvy to own a computer, and for these constituents the West End Post Office is a lifeline.
The USPS has released a list of 3,700 Post Offices nationwide which are being considered for permanent closure. Nine of these are located in Hudson County, New Jersey. The USPS cites financial difficulties as the main reason for the pending closures. Until a final list of Post Office closures is released, we will continue to advocate for our constituents and for the continued operation of the West End Post Office.
Sincerely,
Councilman Michael Russo
3rd Ward, Hoboken City Council
Councilman Tim Occhipinti
4th Ward, Hoboken City Council