Postal protest brings changes

BY NINA SEN

Thursday, September 27, 2007 10:58 AM EDT

After receiving complaints by Corona and Elmhurst residents, Queens Postmaster William Rogers has vowed to institute changes at the post office branch located at Junction Boulevard and 59th Avenue in Elmhurst.

That location currently serves more than 204,500 local residents, but many complained that they are dissatisfied with long lines, slow service and lack of Spanish-speaking employees.

Corona residents Maria and Jorge Rodriguez complained that they wait 45 minutes for stamps. They also said that improved services, like a window just for package pick-ups, were instituted but taken away after a couple months.

At a meeting with community members and local politicians on Tuesday, September 18, Rogers said that the branch would open an extra window if there were more than 15 people in line. Seating for the elderly or a separate line will be added, and a special package window will be opened based on need. Post office representatives also said that they hope to open a mobile office Tuesdays and Thursdays. Residents also proposed that several businesses be allowed to carry stamps in the area.

Representatives from Councilmember Helen Sears and Congressmember Gary Ackerman’s offices also expressed their support for improvements during the meeting, held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and organized by the Queens Congregation United for Action (QCUA).

QCUA, a community activist group, had recently surveyed 240 post office customers and found a wide array of complaints. In response, the group called for shorter lines, a mobile office, a satellite office for stamps, seating for the elderly, a Spanish-speaking employee at all times and a special window for package pick-ups.

However, Bernice Santiago, supervisor of customer relations for the United States Postal Service (USPS), said that having a Spanish-speaking clerk at all times would not be possible due to the hiring process of the office.