Legislators Say Post Office Closures Will Hurt County
submitted by Rich Crist, Legislative Liaison
The possible closure of the Lansingburgh and North Hoosick post offices will be harmful to Rensselaer County and not produce any significant savings in return, said members of the Rensselaer County Legislature.
The North Hoosick Post Office is a unique community asset as it is recognized as the second smallest post office in the country. The Lansingburgh post office, named recently after former Troy Mayor Martin Mahar, is one of only two post offices in a city of nearly 50,000.
The possible closure of the North Hoosick Post Office several years ago prompted an outcry from the community. The small, one room structure is a distinctive part of the community and the County. Given the minimal expense to operate the post office, the North Hoosick Post Office should remain open.
“The North Hoosick Post Office is one of the well known landmarks in the community. Based on the size and the limited service at the post office, the expense is not significant and the post office should remain open,” said Legislator Lester Goodermote.
“Because of its small size, the North Hoosick Post Office has been mentioned throughout the country. It would be a real loss to have this distinctive post office closed, especially when there would not be a significant savings,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature Stan Brownell.
The possible closing of the Lansingburgh Post Office would hurt those who live and work in Troy. Troy would only be able to rely on the one post office downtown.
“I think the Post Office would have a hard time justifying closing one of only two post offices in a city the size of Troy,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature for Finance Phil Danaher.
