City Councillor John FitzGerald has launched an online petition urging the US Postal Service to find a new home in Fields Corner after announcing plans to temporarily close its longtime branch on Oct. 26.
FitzGerald, who represents District 3, said he plans to file a City Council resolution on Oct. 21 seeking support from his colleagues for maintaining a postal retail presence in Fields Corner. His petition, launched last week, will ultimately be sent to the Postmaster.
The USPS plans to close the Adams Street location, in part, because its lease is expiring. The branch occupies space in the O’Hearn Building, which was sold last year and is slated for redevelopment.
USPS has described the closure as temporary but has not announced a replacement location or reopening date. A spokesperson for USPS has not responded to a Reporter request for more information on what is meant by “temporary.”
Starting Oct. 26, post office box services will be transferred to the Fields Corner annex at 18 Clayton St., a few blocks from the existing 02122 office on Adams Street. Customers seeking regular retail services have been directed to go to the 02124 office in Codman Square.
FitzGerald’s petition emphasizes the impact of the closure on elderly residents, people with limited mobility, and small businesses.
The local effort comes amid growing pressure on USPS from Boston officials and members of the state’s congressional delegation over proposed postal closures in Fields Corner, Allston, and Watertown.
