*This article has been updated to contain the most accurate and up-to-date information

Hudson Valley residents are reeling after the recent announcement of an upcoming United States Postal Service (USPS) "consolidation". The decision, which affects 15 local post office locations, will change the way mail is sorted and delivered.

The decision isn't limited to New York. Post offices from all across the country are facing similar restructures, causing many affected citizens to call for the removal of the Post Master General Louis DeJoy. Here's what the changes mean for the Hudson Valley.

Allkindza via Canva
Allkindza via Canva
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USPS Sorting and Delivery Center Conversion in Newburgh, NY

The USPS is introducing new "Sorting and Delivery Centers" (S&DCs) that will act as local hubs for surrounding postal districts. In the Hudson Valley, Newburgh, NY has been named the regional S&DC, with all surrounding mail soon to be sorted at the Newburgh location. The following Hudson Valley post offices are affected.

Beacon is just one of many Hudson Valley Post Offices to be affected by the new conversion (Google)
Beacon, NY is just one of many Hudson Valley Post Offices to be affected by the new conversion (Google)
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Hudson Valley, NY Post Offices Affected by New Conversion

James Lloyd, Director of Labor Relations at the USPS, lists September of 2023 as the target date for post offices in Beacon, Clintondale, Cornwall, Cornwall-on-Hudson, Fishkill, Maybrook, Modena, Montgomery, New Paltz, Pine Bush, Rock Tavern, Salisbury Mills, Walden, Wallkill, and Wappingers Falls to have their mail newly sorted at the designated S&DC in Newburgh, NY.

Newburgh, NY will soon be handling most mail sent to the Hudson Valley (Google)
Newburgh, NY will soon be handling most mail sent to the Hudson Valley (Google)
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What's Happening to Local Hudson Valley Mail Carriers?

While the above post offices will no longer receive and sort mail, the delivery system itself will otherwise remain unchanged. Instead of reporting to their local post office, mail carriers will report to the Newburgh S&DC. "So those little putt putt mail trucks are supposed to be crossing the bridge and driving on 84 every day!?", lamented one Hudson Valley resident.

Unofficial Costs of New USPS Conversion

Save the Post Office, an organization whose mission is clearly stated in their name, recently highlighted the additional costs that may accompany the new changes. "For most [mail carriers], their new workplace at the S&DC will require a longer commute than the post office where they currently work", they reported. The group estimates that, "over the course of a year, the carrier will drive 5,000 more miles than the current commute requires... the increased [personal fuel] cost would be $3,150 (non-reimbursable).”

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Post Office Jobs Affected by S&DC Conversion in New York

While all local post office buildings may not close permanently, a mail carrier in Beacon seemed to confirm not only the September 2023 conversion, but a closing date for the office as well. "We are scheduled to move to Newburgh in September. The office is scheduled to close in April of 2024", they shared. While this news shocked many Beacon residents, the official word from the USPS is that no locations will close and window service will remain at all locations.

*CORRECTION: This article has been corrected to reflect that while mail sorting and delivery will no longer operate from 15 local post offices, window service will still be available at all locations. From the USPS: "As we move forward with this initiative, customers will see no changes to their local post office retail operations. No post offices will be closed and PO Box service will not be changed"

TAKE A PEEK: Live in a Historical Colorado Post Office in a Ghost Town

According to westernmininghistory.com, Turret, Colorado was a small mining town near Salida that was settled in 1897. In addition to the post office, the town featured a salon, a butcher shop, a hotel, several stores, and even a newspaper.

On the south side of his property is a small piece of national forest, and the front door is less than a mile from hundreds of acres of national forest land. It's one of the most beautiful areas in Colorado. When you need to make a trip to the big city, you're just 30 miles from downtown Salida.

This rustic home is less than 700 square feet, but the layout is very efficient with two bedrooms, one bath, a kitchen, a living room, and a dining room. For those cold winter nights, you can huddle around a wood-burning stove, which is more than adequate to keep the home warm and toasty.

For Sale: Historic Alpena Post Office Transformed Into Elegant $3M Residence

Potential and location, what more do you need? Someone saw a bit of both when they purchased this historic Alpena Federal Building that was once a Post Office. The inside comes as a surprise as you walk through the doors of the building constructed in 1910 with an entire elegant residence. Although there are 15,000 square feet of space, there is only 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom for accommodations. The building has an added plus with 165' of frontage on the south bank of the Thunder Bay River.
When it comes to potential the possibilities are endless. The property is zoned for commercial use and the new owner could create a venue for weddings and parties, bed & breakfast, or additional lofts for living. It is currently listed for $3M, and the building is offered below appraisal and options for thousands of dollars in restoration grants. Take a look inside!

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