The South Kortright Post Office's possible closure was the subject of a special meeting held Jan. 20 by the U.S. Postal Service.
Maureen Marion, USPS public affairs specialist, said Monday that there was a large turnout of residents at the South Kortright school because of concerns that the post office might close.
"We held the meeting in an attempt to be upfront," Marion said. "The post office may relocate or close temporarily."
Marion said the post office, at 10675 County Highway 18, could close temporarily because of issues related to safety or security. She said there were also issues with the building's owner.
"The goal is not to close the post office," Marion said. "But due to problems with the lessee/leaser relationship, we may need to leave that facility, and we don't necessarily immediately see a replacement facility."
Marion said problems with the facility were not structural, but she would not identify what they were. She did say that the South Kortright postmaster is working at another post office and a temporary employee is filling the South Kortright position.
"The situation is being watched and the clock is ticking, but there is no deadline to work this out," Marion said.
If it becomes necessary to close the South Kortright location, Marion said, the immediate plan is to transfer functions to the Hobart Post Office, at 698 Main St.
"If that were to happen, there would be no change of addresses," Marion said. "But box holders would have to go to Hobart to pick up their mail."
Marion said if the South Kortright Post Office closes, it would not be permanent unless another location cannot be found.
She said people should not expect construction given the financial status of the USPS and the economy.
In the meantime, research is being done to see if there are people using the post office boxes in South Kortright who may qualify for rural delivery.
Marion said the postal service is open to have people contact them with possibilities for a new location. She said Kortright Supervisor George Haynes Jr. is a contact. His number, as listed on the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce website, is 538-9313.
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Patricia Breakey can be reached at 746-2894 or at stardelhi@stny.rr.com.
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