Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) today blasted The USPS for their decision to close the Blythebourne Station Post Office on Sundays. The Blythebourne Station, a high-trafficked post office located in the heart of Borough Park at 1200 51st Street, will adjust its service hours effective January 3, 2009.
Citing a “business decision” as the reason for closure, Postmaster General for Brooklyn Joseph Chiossone attempted to justify the determination in a letter to the Assemblyman. He stated in part, “Many of our customers are already purchasing stamps at local businesses, by mail, phone and online at usps.com.” The Postmaster noted that the station will, however, be accessible to the public during the remainder of the week, including Saturdays.
“It is galling that The Post Office has chosen to close this station on Sundays considering the demographics of the neighborhood in which it is located,” said an outraged Hikind. “Who will they even serve on Saturday in this community? The Jewish Sabbath will now become a day of rest for these postal employees, too.”
In a lame attempt to pacify inconvenienced consumers, Postmaster Chiossone suggested two alternate contract stations which are open for business on Sundays. “Neither of these sites is acceptable in lieu of official Post Office functions,” said Hikind. “These contract locations are overcrowded, inaccessible to many local residents, or offer only limited hours and services. The Post Office should immediately reverse their thoughtless and foolish decision.”
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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9 Responses
Way to go Dov!!!! Fighting for his constituets!!!
What I dont understand is , what right does Hikind have to make a ruckus? Why must everything be convenient for the orthodox jews? Just because we observe shabbos does that make it a G-d given right to demand that USPS be open on Sunday for us? What sickens me is the fact that we as Jews have come to the point when we insist that the non Jewish government has to bend over backward for us. Guess what, all of you Hikind sympathisers, how ever comfortable you feel in this country, dont get too comfortable, remember Germany 1939.
Gerald,
It has always been a practice of Government to accomodate the community in which it has offices.
What right does he have? He represents people that dont need the service on Shabbos but do on sunday.
I don’t think the point is that they have to accomodate us, but that they changed their policy in a way which makes no sense based on demographics- whatever that is. If you’re in a community where everyone works in offices, you don’t stay open 9-5. It’s simple business.
Hikind is right: if they need to save money, they should close it on Saturday, not Sunday. And his right to make a ruckus is that he’s the local member; it’s his job to make a ruckus when a government service slaps his constituents in their collective face like this.
I see the points on both sides of the argument. What should also be said is that not only is Blythenbourne “heavily-trafficked,” it is UNDER-STAFFED despite numerous complaints by local residents for years. I remember standing in line with 20-30 people for only 2 windows. I never have to wait so long in the postal stores.
Are they open on Shabbos in Boro Park? Makes no sense. But I guess they’d have to do a survey of usage to see which day is worse.
If you are so worried about having a post office open on Sundays, then make aliyah. Otherwise, you live in a goyish country, so keep quiet and deal with it.