Cedarhurst Post Office to Close?

The United States Postal Service will consider shutting down the Cedarhurst post office and replacing it with a retail store, according to union leaders.

Peter Furgiuele, president of the Long Island chapter of the American Postal Workers Union, told Newsday that the Grove Avenue post office eventually “will be put up for sale.” Another union president, Walter Barton of the Long Island chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers, said he was notified of plans to move Cedarhurst letter carriers to the Woodmere location.

Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise told Patch that he was informed about the possible move through a letter from a union leader. Both he and Trustee Ronald Lanzilotta said they’re “very against” the move, and the board will discuss possible action at its Oct. 4 board meeting.

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Cedarhurst carriers deliver mail by foot, Barton said, but if they were transferred, it’s possible they couldn’t continue doing that. USPS may need to buy delivery vehicles to accommodate the move.

The Postal Service reported losses of about $5 billion last year, and is reportedly looking for ways to capitalize on its real estate holdings.

Agency spokeswoman Connie Chirichello would only tell Newsday that it is reviewing operations at the Cedarhurst facility, and provided no further information.

Meanwhile, the postal service already has plans to sell a post office location in Northport, and is considering transferring carriers in Babylon to West Babylon.