USPS Decision to Reduce Hours Comes as Potentially 5,000 New Jobs to be Added in the Region
Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) wrote a letter to the United States Postmaster General, The Honorable Patrick R. Donahoe, urging him to not reduce the hours of the Tatamy Post Office in the Borough of Tatamy, Pennsylvania. Residents who rely on this post office have expressed concerns about plans to scale back and potentially close down operations in Tatamy.
The USPS decision to reduce hours comes at a time when economic and population growth is expected in the region. A new interchange along Route 33 is scheduled to open soon, aiding the accessibility of the Borough. Furthermore, the Chrin Commerce Centre is expanding, and local reports project 5,000 new jobs will be added because of this.
“I am aware that the USPS has to cut costs in the face of financial concerns, and that means difficult decisions need to be made,” Senator Casey said. “However, the Tatamy Post Office serves a region that is expected to see increased demand for postal services in the coming years due to projected economic growth. If the USPS reduces service it may hinder that growth and negatively impact the region at this crucial moment. I urge the Postmaster General to carefully examine these concerns before making a final decision.”
In the letter, Senator Casey asked the Postmaster General to address certain concerns of local residents, including an explanation of how reduced hours will save money in the long term.
Below is the full text of Senator Casey’s letter:
The Honorable Patrick R. Donahoe
Postmaster General
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, DC 20260
Dear Mr. Donahoe:
I am writing in regards to the reduction in hours of the Tatamy Post Office in the Borough of Tatamy, Pennsylvania, and continued concerns that this facility could be closed. I recognize that the United States Postal Service (USPS) is facing significant financial challenges. I support your efforts to identify and implement reforms to ensure your continued operations. However, reducing the hours of this facility will have a significant impact on the region, as would a decision to close this office. I ask you to please take this broader impact into consideration.
It is my understanding that the chief concern expressed by the community is that the reduction in service at this facility comes at a time when the Borough expects to experience significant economic growth. A new interchange along Route 33 is slated to open soon and is coinciding with continued business expansion at the Chrin Commerce Centre. In fact, local reports indicate that the Commerce Centre is projected to add 5,000 new jobs in the near future. I have been further informed that due to all the expected growth, Tatamy plans to have new municipal offices and a post office in the center of this project. Some residents feel any reductions in service, at a time of growth in the area, will greatly impact mail delivery in a negative way.
I have also been advised of concerns that the post office could close in the near future, despite announcements to the contrary. Constituents have expressed concern that closure would require residents to travel too far, to Easton, for service. Additionally, constituents are concerned that local and county tax records would be difficult to sort because of the Easton address. Finally, there is some apprehension that Census records will be in error because of the postal address change.
As I understand it, Tatamy will likely continue to experience employment and population growth that will increase, rather than decrease, demand for local postal service. I have also been informed that residents feel there has been no explanation of how your recent reduction in hours will save money in the long run.
As the USPS considers either a reduction of hours at, or outright closure of, postal facilities, I ask that you please take into consideration the viewpoints of your customers. I also request that you submit to my office your plans to ensure that public input is given the weight it deserves.
As always, if there is any way that my office can assist you in these efforts, please contact me or my office. Thank you for your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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