Local officials urge post office not to move

A group of local elected officials is urging the United States Post Office (USPS) and Bulfinch Companies, which owns the building that houses the Jamaica Plain Post Office at 655 Centre St., to resolve lease negotiations and allow the post office to remain at its current location.

Meanwhile, USPS is saying it is a lengthy process to determine if the JP Post Office will move or shrink and that public participation, including written communication from officials, is part of that process.

Bulfinch did not respond to a request for comment.

City Councilor Matt O’Malley, local state Reps. Jeffrey Sanchez and Liz Malia and state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz signed a letter sent to USPS and Bulfinch saying that they are concerned about the “lack of communication and conflicting stories” being expressed by both of them and urged them to resolve the negotiations to keep the post office at 655 Centre St.

“The post office is an anchor in the local shopping district and serves as a resource for residents and businesses in Jamaica Plain. Furthermore, it serves as an important tribute to the service and sacrifice of Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, a local resident for whom it is named,” the letter states.

O’Malley aide Hannah Smith, who sent the letter to the Gazette, did not respond to a request for comment on what “conflicting stories” means.

The letter says that the officials would “happily serve” as a broker in the negotiation process and that having the post office on the Centre Street corridor is “beneficial and important” for residents.

“The current location and operation is well-suited to fulfill the needs of our diverse and growing population. We are all deeply opposed to the post office changing locations or operation of service,” the letter states.

Melissa Lohnes, spokesperson for USPS, said in an email to the Gazette that the organization is “exploring options” that may lead to a move or shrinking of the post office, but that it is a “long process” and that the USPS is “far from making any final decision.”

“Our process, which is regulated by law, includes a robust community notification process that offers many opportunities for the public to participate. Written communication, such as letters from public officials, are all part of the public process,” she said.