“I guess it’s a sign of our times,” said 61-year-old history buff and lifelong North Bergen resident Ron Skokandich in response to the news of the potential post office closings all over the United States.
On Tuesday, July 26, the United States Postal Service, with an annual budget of over $67 billion, announced their decision to review 3,700 branches located across the country in an effort to cut costs.
Local offices under review for potential closing include post offices at 6139 Kennedy Boulevard West and 609 Kennedy Boulevard East in North Bergen, as well as branches in Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City, and West New York.
“I guess it’s a sign of our times.” – Ron Skokandich
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Town officials are not pleased
Some of Hudson County’s town officials, such as Mayor Nichoals Sacco of North Bergen, are publicly opposed to the potential closings. One of his major concerns is that senior citizens will have trouble adapting to the change.
“Neighborhood post offices offer an invaluable service that must be protected, especially for elderly or disabled residents,” said Sacco last week. “For many, letters and cards are still the way to communicate with family and the mail is still the only way to pay bills and conduct business.”
If the two North Bergen locations close, the only remaining branch would be the 4608 Tonnelle Ave. post office, which is on the far west side of town.
“It would unfairly harm our most vulnerable residents,” said Sacco. “I plan to do whatever I can to make sure these locations remain open and serving North Bergen.”
Sacco encouraged residents to voice their opinions at town meetings.
Town Spokesman Paul Swibinski said that if the decision is made to close the post offices, the township could appeal it to the Postal Regulatory Commission, which would then have 120 days to review the matter.
Freeholder Chairman Bill O’Dea called the federal study “a sham” after finding out that the branches on West Side Avenue and Union Street in Jersey City are under consideration toy close.
O’Dea said that right after Labor Day he will hold community meetings and begin a petition drive and letter-writing campaign to save the West Side Avenue post office.
Hoboken Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos (D-33rd) has also expressed his concern with the study.
“These remaining facilities will not be able to efficiently and effectively handle the exponential increase in business resulting from the impending closures,” Ramos said in a letter to Donahoe.
Local office responds
The USPS is aware of the criticism.
“Let me emphasize that no decisions have been made yet,” said George B. Flood, Northeastern area spokesperson for the USPS, in an e-mail.
Flood said that a large reason for the study was that much of the USPS revenue comes from expanded access locations, such as pharmacies and banks that provide customers with some of the USPS products and services.
Flood acknowledged the concern that parking could become an issue at the remaining branches in local cities.
“Parking is certainly a precious commodity throughout the New York metropolitan area and any other major market across the country,” said Flood, who added that customers can access USPS resources in alternative ways, such as through the website as well as the expanded access locations.
Flood also addressed the possible layoffs that could result from the branch closings.
“The Postal Service takes great pride in its long history of being an exceptional employer,” said Flood. “All employee actions and personnel moves will be made within the parameters of our labor contracts with the unions and agreements with the management associations.”
“Let me emphasize that no decisions have been made yet,” said Flood, adding that public input will be a factor in the decisions.
What residents think
Many residents are outspoken regarding the potential closings.
“I can understand how it could be upsetting for residents,” said Afifeh Alaween, a college student who has lived in North Bergen for nearly 20 years. “At the same time, I can understand some of the closings from a cost-benefit analysis.”
“In some ways, the USPS system has become obsolete,” Alaween added. “Because the use of electronic mail is so high, the USPS has been forced to increase the costs of stamps, express mailings, certified receipt mailings and other services, which is ultimately hurtful to citizens as a whole.”
Alaween echoed Mayor Sacco’s sentiments regarding the elderly citizens, stating that she feels the 6139 Kennedy Blvd. location should remain open due to nearby senior citizen centers.
“I imagine residents of those buildings frequent that particular location because it’s within walking distance to their residences,” she said.
For other residents, such as Skokandich, losing the post office carries a big sentimentality factor.
“Who would ever think a post office would close?” said Skokandich, who added that the potential closings are most likely due to advancements in technology, such as e-mails.
“My late father was a mailman,” continued Skokandich, adding that his father would often stop in homes to say hello and have a cup of coffee.
“People have a connection with their mailman,” continued Skokandich. “So it’s kind of sad to see that.”
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.