WNY Urges USPS to Reverse Course; Petition in Opposition to Closure Proposals Sent to Postmaster General

William Street and Lackawanna Post Offices face potential closure under U.S. Postal Service plan.

USPS holding public meeting Wednesday regarding the future of the William Street facility.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – About 800 Western New Yorkers joined State Senator Timothy M. Kennedy, D-58th District, in signing their support to a letter questioning the actions taken by the United State Postal Service in the proposed closing of two local post offices – William Street in Buffalo and Lackawanna.

The letter – which was sent Tuesday to Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe – cites the negative consequences that the proposed closures could have on the Western New York economy, as well as the need for the USPS to sufficiently consider local input.

“Closing the doors of the William Street Post Office would do significant damage to the Western New York economy. In addition, residents of the city of Lackawanna rely on the convenient access and prompt services provided by the Lackawanna Post Office,” Senator Kennedy writes in the letter. “If these potential closures were to occur, you would be able to measure the impact in terms of jobs lost and economic opportunities missed.”

The letter continues, “Western New Yorkers uniquely understand the impact these proposed closures will have on our local economy and quality of life, yet it seems the USPS is not sufficiently considering input from the community. This needs to change. Listening to the public will highlight the necessity for the USPS to rethink its plans.”

The potential closure of the William Street facility could eliminate hundreds of jobs, which means the loss of millions of dollars in regional economic activity. As Western New York’s regional hub for postal services, a closure of the William Street facility would set off economic ripple effects that could significantly impact local businesses and families.

With about 800 signatures gathered online, the petition is a clear indication to the U.S. Postal Service that they need to listen to the concerns of Western New Yorkers who would feel the immediate impact of these proposed closures.

Senator Kennedy encourages the community to voice their concerns at a public meeting the USPS is holding Wednesday, January 4 to discuss the future of the William Street Post Office. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy High School, 305 Cayuga Creek Road in Cheektowaga. Senator Kennedy will be sending representatives in his place, since he will be in Albany Wednesday for the start of the legislative session and for Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address.

To read the letter sent to the Postmaster General, click on the link below.