SCHUMER URGES USPS TO ADDRESS ITHACA LEADERS’ CONCERNS OVER DOWNTOWN POST OFFICE RELOCATION ASAP; KEEPING THE ITHACA POST OFFICE DOWNTOWN IS VITAL TO BUSINESS DISTRICT ECONOMY AND RESIDENT ACCESIBILITY
Schumer Says U.S. Postal Service Must Deliver On Local Concerns And Develop A Common-Sense Solution That Benefits Ithaca
Schumer To USPS: Push The Envelope To Ensure Ithaca Businesses, Organizations, & Residents Needs Are Not Ignored
With uncertainty of Ithaca’s downtown post office looming, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today demanded the United States Postal Service (USPS) negotiate in good faith with local leaders and stakeholders to find a mutually agreeable long-term solution for the post office’s future.
Following recent reports of the Ithaca post office signing a short-term lease, locals began to worry that this could indicate the USPS is considering moving to alternative locations outside of the downtown. Schumer explained that the downtown post office is of great economic importance to the many residents, organizations and businesses in Ithaca, which rely on its convenient location for their operations. The potential relocation of the post office to outside the downtown could negatively influence these businesses, residents, and organizations and would stymie hundreds of residents who lack the means to travel to a post office in a more remote location.
“Ithaca’s historic downtown post office is pillar of the city’s business district, with countless residents and commercial institutions dependent on its central location and easy accessibility for their postal needs,” said Senator Schumer. “USPS needs to deliver on local concerns and negotiate in good faith to ensure a long-term solution for the post office that boosts Ithaca.”
“Ithaca’s downtown post office location is critical to the operations and health of many downtown businesses as well as over 10,000 residents who live within walking distance of the office,” said Svante Myrick, Mayor of the City of Ithaca. “I am grateful for Senator Schumer’s help in communicating the importance of maintaining the post office location downtown and we look forward to continuing to work with the USPS and the Town of Ithaca to ensure that we can maintain this busy and active facility where the community needs it – in the heart of growing and bustling Downtown Ithaca.”
"In the past dozen years, Downtown Ithaca has added over a thousand new residents in hundreds of new housing units. In total, we have added over 1,000,000 square feet of new space in Downtown – including housing, lodging, office, tech jobs, and retail. Over half a billion dollars have been invested here. If there is a place that needs a federal Post Office, it is here in the heart of Downtown Ithaca,” said Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.
“I am pleased that we are at a point of discussing a longer-term lease for the post office as the Town values them as a tenant and recognizes that a downtown location is critical for the community,” said Rod Howe, Town of Ithaca Supervisor.
Schumer said it is critical that USPS develop a plan in conjunction with local leaders and community members which takes into account all parties’ needs.
A copy of Schumer’s letter to Postmaster Brennan appears below:
Dear Postmaster General Brennan,
I write on behalf of the businesses, organizations and residents of Ithaca, New York, regarding the potential relocation of their post office in downtown Ithaca. Moving the post office to outside the downtown would have a negative economic impact on the hundreds of businesses and community members, which depend on the facility for their postal needs. I strongly urge the USPS to quickly meet with local officials and stakeholders, and begin working with them to establish a mutually acceptable long-term solution.
For years, Ithaca has greatly benefited from the convenience and centrality of its historic downtown post office. Ithaca is a pedestrian-oriented community, and the post office is in the heart of its central business district, with many businesses dependent on the ease of the downtown post office for their operations. The location also services many residents who are reliant on the post office’s accessibility and would be greatly hindered should it move to a more remote location. The City of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca, and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance have all expressed both overwhelming support to preserve the post office’s downtown location and their willingness to work with the USPS in resolving this matter. This vast coalition demonstrates the great significance of this post office to the community and highlights the need for the USPS to come to the table and hear from local leaders.
Given the importance of this post office, and the potential long-lasting impacts on the Ithaca community, I encourage the USPS to quickly address this issue and begin work to create a permanent solution in conjunction with local leaders, which preserves the accessibility of postal services to the residents and businesses of downtown Ithaca. Thank you for your attention to this important request.
Sincerely,
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