A Potential Postal Consolidation

A threat to close the Utica Postal Service on Pitcher Street has a community speaking out.

Postal workers and members of the community gathered at the State Office Building to voice their concerns over the potential closure.           

It was a full house at the State Office Building and most people are not too happy about the potential closure.

The U.S. Post Office held a public meeting to discuss moving Utica's Processing Operation to Syracuse.

A study initiated the potential consolidation. That study found Utica does not have enough mail volume to keep running its operation here.

The Postal Service says the study is currently in review and is seeking the public's input before making the final decision.

The meeting was filled with postal employees as well as public officials, questioning the potential consolidation.

Fred Ashley, a postal worker may be one of 32 people losing a job. He says the consolidation will not only affect him, but everyone in Utica.

"Late mail deliveries... as late as 8 p.m. This is going on in Ohio and Binghamton. We don't want our senior citizens to go out in the dark to retrieve their mail," said Ashley.

The postal service says there will be no mail delays if the consolidation were to take effect.

Congressman Richard Hanna personally wrote a letter addressed to the post office saying he is deeply concerned this could affect the Utica's economy and identity.

Assembly-man elect Anthony Brindisi also raised concerns.

"This is one of the most efficient facilities in the region and country. And also, the economic impact that is going to occur if this happens. It's not something the post office is taking into account at this time," explained Brindisi.

The postal service says the decision will not be final until sometime next year. If you would like to voice your concerns, they say you must respond before October 7^th.

To voice your concerns, submit them in writing and send them to:

Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact

Albany District

30 Old Karner Road

Albany, NY 12288

Or visit their website at www.uspseverywhere.com