The Fresh Meadows post office plans to stay where it is after the current lease runs out in 2018, according to Congresswoman Grace Meng.
Fresh Meadows residents expressed concerns at Community Board 8 meetings about losing their local post office after property owner Federal Realty Investment Trust proposed replacing the old facility with a new two-story building that would have 28,000 square feet of retail and office space.
According to Community Board 8 records, Federal Realty was “not seeking to throw out the USPS” but instead were “concerned that with the nationwide reduction in mail that they may not renew their lease.”
The post office is located at 193-04 Horace Harding Expressway, and the lease expires on April 30, 2018.
Meng asked the Postal Service about future plans for the facility earlier this month and received a letter from the federal agency stating that officials intended to renew the lease after it expired barring the occurrence of an unexpected event which could impact operations.
Meng said she welcomed news of the lease renewal for the Fresh Meadows post office.
“Area residents made it clear that they do not want to lose this facility,” Meng said. “It provides important postal services at a convenient location, and has served the neighborhood well for many years.”
James Gallagher Jr., president of the Fresh Meadows Homeowners Civic Association, said Fresh Meadows residents are extremely grateful for Congresswoman Meng’s support and efforts to renew the Fresh Meadows Post Office lease.
“It is essential that the post office remains at its current location which is convenient to the area’s seniors and all who reside in the community,” Gallagher said.
Maria DeInnocentiis, of Community Board 8, said the Fresh Meadows Post Office has been an integral part of the Fresh Meadows community since it first opened.
“It is second to the main office in Flushing and meets our needs for mail, packages and retrieving certified mail,” DeInnocentiis said. “It is an institution that needs to be retained and I thank USPS for keeping it in the community.”
