Postal Service Could Close Pittsburgh Area Branches

As part of a nationwide review, the U.S. Postal Service is studying 13 post offices in the Pittsburgh area for possible consolidation or closure. The Postal Service is self-supporting through fees it charges for mailing services. But business has been declining and a report from the General Accounting Office projects a $1 billion shortfall this year.
Tad Kelley, spokesman for the Postal Service's Pittsburgh district says the possible consolidation is "one measure to reduce costs in an extremely difficult climate financially. We're seeing a tremendous decline in mail volume with a projection of 9.5 billion less pieces of mail to handle than we did a year ago."

Kelley says in examining whether post office branches should close, they will look at weather the building is leased, whether a lot of maintenance is needed, and how close it is to other nearby branches. Kelley says the study won't be completed until fall and a decision on closing or consolidating facilities isn't likely till after October.

The 13 Pittsburgh area post office branches being studied for possible closure: Allegheny Station on the North Side; Arsenal Branch in Lawrenceville; Brookline Station; Corliss Branch in Sheraden; Etna Branch; Homewood Branch; Millvale Station; Mt. Lebanon Branch; Neville Island Branch; Uptown Pittsburgh Branch; Veterans' Hospital Branch in Oakland; West Mifflin Branch; and, the Wilkinsburg Carrier Facility.