Protest over post office closure

East Haven (WTNH) - The possible closure of a post office in East Haven is sparking anger. Dozens of protesters turned out today to say why they think a post office is needed in the center of East Haven.

The proposal is part of major overhaul of the U.S. Postal Service dealing with massive debt.

The idea of closing the only post office in the center of East Haven does not get a stamp of approval from Frank Piergrossi.

"I think it's terrible," he said.

The Postal Service is considering moving business off Frontage Road to just over the border in New Haven. Seniors and the disabled who can easily access Trolley Square boarded a bus in a protest, led by East Haven Mayor April Capone-Almon and state Representative Mike Lawlor.

"Maybe it looks good on paper if you just figured out rent and salaries," Lawlor said.

To show just how difficult it would be to access the location seniors and the disabled rode the bus to New Haven and then walked to the facility, still blocks away.

"I wouldn't be able to do it all the time," said June Benjamin of East Haven.

"And we did this on a summer day with no packages, can you imagine in December mailing packages," questioned Frank.

East Haven is one of 11 facilities in the state on the chopping block. The Postal Union believes keeping East Haven's only post office open is a necessity.

"Because to go to the Annex, which they proposed, is not even a retail unit, they have to make it a retail unit, it's not really set up for customers to come in an buy stamps," said John Dirzius, American Postal Workers Union.

If the proposal goes throught, the post office would close at the end of September.