D.C. plan could stall your mail, Island postal workers warn

Tom Gaynor, a Postal Service spokesman, said consolidation would help trim costs and enhance service.

As of yesterday, about a dozen facilities were under review, to include the Bronx -- which may be merged into Manhattan -- but Staten Island was not among them, he said.

"There are no changes for Staten Island at this time," he said. "Staten Island will not be reviewed [for possible consolidation] in the near future."

Asked if such a study could occur sometime down the road, Gaynor responded, "The Postal Service is continuing to look at ways to increase productivity."

Gaynor said workers at closed plants will be reassigned, and no jobs would be lost.

Those who rallied outside the Manor Road Post Office aren't so sure.

Contrary to the Postal Service's claim, they believe jobs would be cut and mail slowed by plant mergers.

"All we're trying to do is protect the American public so they get the best service possible," said Westerleigh resident Michael Arrabito, a union official from Brooklyn.

Customer Nancy Lettiere said losing the plant would be a blow for Staten Island.

"I have been able to put [a letter] in the mailbox and somebody gets it the next day," the West Brighton resident said. "We have to save this."

But Joe Marro, who lives a block away from the post office, said consolidation would be a good thing.

"I'd welcome it if they're downsizing," he said, adding he didn't believe service would suffer. "You can't park around here between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m."

Frank Donnelly is a news reporter for the Advance. He may be reached at fdonnelly@siadvance.com.

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