Pressure grows on Postal Service for updates on Park Slope Post Office closed by fire extinguisher malfunction
U.S. Congressmember Dan Goldman has written a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General after seeing News 12's original report
Three weeks after the United States Postal Service says a fire extinguisher malfunctioned in the back of the Park Slope Post Office, forcing it to close for repairs, and a week and a half after News 12 first reported on it, the branch remains closed.
"Three weeks with no update is a little ridiculous," said Brianna Pomarico, who lives in the neighborhood.
"So unprofessional," agreed neighbor Marie Valouch, "Seriously, so unprofessional."
Multiple people were still attempting to use the branch on Tuesday morning, with most saying they were completely surprised.
"It's not on the internet, not information to the Park Slope community," said Valouch.
Others, like Rebecca Waters, tried to look ahead of time, noting that Google Maps says it is open, and there is no phone number listed.
In fact, the only information released to the public so far has been a piece of paper on the front door, saying that the post office is temporarily closed, and that people should go to the Van Brunt location on 9th Street, which is about three-quarters of a mile away.
While many said it was too far for them to walk to, Valouch said, "I went. The line was out the door. Come on, there's gotta be a better way."
Rep. Dan Goldman says he saw the original News 12 report and has heard from his constituents about the post office.
"Accidents happen," he said, "we don't fault them for that, but we need a much better response than what we're getting."
With still no timeline or updates from the USPS, he has now written a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General, asking for some clarity.
"We need answers as to why this has not already been repaired," Goldman said. "We want a scope of work, we want a list of repairs that are needed, and we need a timeline."
Goldman says if he has not gotten an answer in another day or two, he plans on following up.
