Under the Commission's SBOC Initiative, a list of branches for potential closure was compiled on December 14, 2009, which included the Niles Post Office, located at 16 "J" Street, Fremont, California.
The Postal Regulatory Commission and the Niles Post Office
Aware of the firestorm from communities dependent upon their local post offices, Ruth Y. Goldway, Chairman of the of the Postal Regulatory Commission, said, "I would like to encourage a national conversation on the future of mail and hardcopy communications in the United States.” She notes the historic decline in the amount of mail and the resulting financial burdens her agency must address.
For Niles, one of five districts in the large City of Fremont, California, the potential closing elicits particularly strong sentiment. Many local businesses depend upon their busy little post office and would keenly feel its loss. Residents are perplexed as to the reason for choosing to close Niles since it keeps costs down by having a very efficient clerk, Eleanor Torres, and a long line of customers.
Niles Residents in Fremont, California Fight to Retain Their Post Office
Because of its history and geography, Niles has a unique small town community feel despite its location in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay Area. The citizens feel passionate about their city within a city, and have a high level of community involvement and volunteerism. A large red and white "Save Our Post Office" sign was set up next to the Niles Post Office, and within weeks, several petitions against the closing generated 1,600 signatures.
Niles Elementary School, 37141 2nd Street, Fremont, will be hosting a meeting about the fate of the Niles Post Office on Tuesday, Jan 5th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Linda Randolph, a local activist supporting the post office, hopes for a good turnout. "There is real strength in visible numbers," she said. "This meeting will serve as a gauge to determine the importance of keeping Niles Post Office open," adds Connie Wheeler.
Oakland, California Residents Save Their Dimond Post Office
Community activism to change the Postal Regulatory Commission's mind has been shown to be successful. The Dimond Post Office in Oakland, California was recently taken off the SBOC's list after a public outcry among its citizens.
To express pro or con views regarding the potential closing of the Niles Post Office, contact Elly Loose, Finance Manager, at 510-874-8355. Interested parties can also contact the Postal Regulatory Commission directly:
Postal Regulatory Commission, Public Affairs & Government Relations Office, Attention: Ann Fisher, Director, 901 New York Avenue NW #200, Washington, DC 20268. e-mail: PRC-PAGR@prc.gov, phone number: (202)789-6800, fax:(202)789-6886
Read more about the Niles District in Fremont, California:
- A New Church Plant in Fremont
- Niles Art Walk in Fremont, California
- Niles California Hot August Car Show
Sources:
www.niles.org
Postal Regulatory Commission
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