Pallone Raises Concern About Hazlet Post Office Changes

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. Thursday wrote Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe regarding his concerns about how changes at the Hazlet Post Office will affect consumers. The plan shifts staff and other resources away from the Hazlet Post Office to the Matawan Post Office.

“I’m concerned about how this will affect consumers in Hazlet,” said Pallone. “Despite these changes, Hazlet residents should rightfully continue to receive the same level of service from their local post office.”

Pallone also voiced concern that these changes could indicate plans to eventually close the Hazlet Post Office altogether.

“I ask that you assure me and the residents of Hazlet that this will not be a prelude to closure of the Hazlet Post Office and there will not be any negative impacts to the timing of delivery in the town,” Pallone wrote in the letter.

The full text of the letter appears below.

August 17, 2011

Patrick R. Donahoe
Postmaster General
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260-0010

Dear Mr. Donahoe,

I am writing today regarding the Hazlet Post Office located in Hazlet, New Jersey. I understand the Postal Service is moving forward with Delivery Unit Optimization at this facility, which includes consolidating staff, equipment and other resources to the Matawan Post Office.

I have met with local elected officials in Hazlet and several concerns have been raised with this planned initiative. This post office serves a large population in Hazlet and is important to the local community. Concerns have been raised that shifting personnel to the Matawan facility will have an adverse impact on the timing of mail delivery in Hazlet.

Furthermore, there are concerns this could lead to the eventual closing of the post office in Hazlet. I ask that you assure me and the residents of Hazlet that this will not be a prelude to closure of the Hazlet Post Office and there will not be any negative impacts to the timing of delivery in the town.

This is an issue of great importance to my constituents in Hazlet and I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the issue with you in the future. Please contact Tuley Wright in my Washington office at (202) 225-4671 with any information on this issue. I appreciate your timely response to this important matter.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress