Greetings Councilors:
Wake up residents of Watertown!!! If you want to accept the words of a developer; maybe I can share some out-of-circulation drachmas.
In reference to the Watertown Square Financial Post Office; I stated in 01/02/2024 communication as follows:
“Phrases such as: “We hope to move back” and “considering relocating and moving-back” are not reassuring. Two plus years is a long time for open-ended uncertainties.”
“Watertown’s Team engaged in the development process for the multiple parcels at 104-126 Main Street. All knowing the ramifications for displacing an existing business service that is central to the visibility of Watertown Square.”
Has the Watertown City Council taken an active role in advocating for the Watertown Square Financial Post Office to be reinstated? Take a moment to review your lack of process.
How many of us recall the 2011-2012 proposed closings of the East Watertown (589 Mount Auburn St.) and New Town (123 Galen St.) Post Offices? How quickly we lose sight of time.
What would be the current day consequences, had the closings become reality? Historically, when a brick-and-mortar location is closed; chances for bringing back the site can face many challenges.
The playbook, set forth by the United States Postal Service (USPS), has not changed. At the heart of the decisions to close post office locations, are, and have been, streamlining and cost-cutting measures to address its systemwide fiscal crisis. Why Watertown?
Watertown’s previous Team, inclusive of Town Manager Michael Driscoll, Steve Magoon, representatives from the USPS and I, (Chair, Council Committee on State Federal and Regional Government) met at Town Hall. Face to face to plead our case for Watertown. No intermediaries required. We engaged in sit down, productive dialogue, that culminated in a positive outcome for Watertown. We were seen; and heard — we tried.
In my opinion: the powers that be are sending mixed messages. On the one hand: return Watertown Square to its place as a destination. On the other hand: leave Watertown Square devoid of its cornerstone, Post Office.
Is anyone listening to the people? Councilors: please assert your positions as elected representative for the citizens of Watertown. Thank you.
LETTER: Finding a Temporary, Permanent Home for Watertown Main Street Post Office Should be a Priority | Watertown News https://share.google/O2Jqp39KA5KrpRJDP
01/02/2024
Greetings:
I extend Happy New Year wishes for good health, peace and prosperity for one and all.
Almost ten years ago; 02/03/2014, to be exact; Charlie Breitrose launched Watertown News. Watertown’s: “independent, locally owned news website” became a reality. Thank you, Charlie, for your many years of unbiased news coverage and open venue for citizen thought provoking interactions. Congratulations – Happy Tenth Anniversary!!!
Only three years prior to Watertown News, two of Watertown’s Post Offices were being evaluated for closure. How many residents recall the 2011-2012 turmoil created by the proposed closing of the East Watertown (589 Mount Auburn St.) and New Town (123 Galen St.) Post Offices by the United States Postal Service (USPS)?
For now, the two locations are still operating. “Long-term financial plans” for funding of the sites by the USPS can be subject to change. Also to note: The 123-125 Galen St. property was recently offered for sale; currently listed as: “off market”.
Without notice to stakeholders; the “Watertown Financial Post Office” (126 Main St.) will be closing on 01/26/2024. Clyde Younger broke the news. Who knew the post office would be closing in four weeks?
Did Watertown’s Team advocate for a permanent/temporary location? Or review the needs of the post office patrons who wait in the long lines for counter service? Is there a confirmed future for a “Watertown Financial Post Office”, to be sited in Watertown Square? Not all post offices are equal in available services for the public. https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?location=1434632
Phrases such as: “We hope to move back” and “considering relocating and moving-back” are not reassuring. Two plus years is a long time for open-ended uncertainties.
Watertown’s Team engaged in the development process for the multiple parcels at 104-126 Main Street. All knowing the ramifications for displacing an existing business service that is central to the visibility of Watertown Square.
In my opinion, Watertown’s Team must also initiate and engage in open dialogue to explore all options to maintain Watertown Square post office stability. Enhanced Postal Services are an integral part of providing a presence as a viable destination in the nucleus of Watertown. Thank you.
Best,
Angie
Angeline Maria B. Kounelis, Retired Watertown District A, East End, City Councilor