Austin post offices face closure

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Four Austin post offices are on the list of branches that could close in order to save USPS money. The United States Postal Service is expecting a loss of $7 billion this fiscal year and its looking to cut costs by $5.9 billion.

"We have had a significant loss of revenue and mail volume and are reviewing every facet of our operation," said USPS spokesperson for the region Sam Bolen.

The four locations slated for the chopping block in Austin include:

• Chimney Corners Station, 3575 Far West Blvd.
• North Finance Station, 8557 Research Blvd., Suite 124
• East Station, 1914 E. Sixth St.
• Westlake Station, 3201 Bee Cave Road

Harold Silberberg uses the Chimney Corners station every day and said with the steady flow of people he sees coming in and out of the branch, losing it would be a major inconvenience to the neighborhood.

"Years ago, when the Chimney Corners Post Office was over there on Chimney Corners, they talked about closing it down and there was such an uprising of the neighborhood that they abandoned it," he said. "I can't imagine closing this one."

Postal Vice President Jordan Small told a congressional subcommittee that local managers will study activities of approximately 3,200 stations and branches across the country considering factors such as customer access, service standards, cost savings, impact on employees, environmental impact, real estate values and long-term Postal Service needs.

"I would rather them cut down service to just 5 days a week, instead of closing down a location many people depend on," said Silberberg.

Reducing mail delivery days is another option USPS is considering.

The branch closures are open for discussion. Bolen said there would be opportunities for public input before any final decision is made.