Petition Created to Save Morris Street Post Office

Last week during , Morristownians made it loud and clear that they did not want to see the historic Morris Street branch shut down as part of a nationwide cost-cutting plan by the United States Postal Service.

As a result, a petition has been created for those that want the USPS to know that is not an acceptable option.

The petition will be available to sign from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Thursday, March 15 through Friday, March 23, at the , on the third floor of . From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, Mayor Tim Dougherty and Councilwoman Alison Deeb will be in the Town Hall lobby for a public ceremonial meeting, where they too will sign the petition.

The mayor noted at the meeting Morristown's position as an accessible community to more than those with cars.

"It's a walkable community," Dougherty said at the meeting. "It's important that our people who don't have the ability to drive have the ability to access the United States Post Office that we pay our taxes for."

Among the over 50 people in attendance for the meeting was Bob Tracey, a World War II veteran and former postmaster of the Morris Street location for 30 years. "People today are aging, they can't drive anymore," the 86-year-old said at the meeting. "I went for two wars, and came back and still served my community, and I'm serving it now. Don't take the heart out of Morristown and rip that Morris Street post office out of here." 

At , representatives from the USPS advised those concerned with the Morris Street branch's potential closure would first want to get a petition to submit for consideration. 

"I think this is the best way to get the public involved and have a place to get it signed," Dougherty said.

Deeb shared a similar sentiment. "Having a post office in town helps maintain foot traffic, which keeps Morristown pedestrian-friendly," she said.

Besides being at the Senior Center at Town Hall, the petition also will be posted at several Morristown businesses, according to a press release. Those who would like to sign the petition but cannot make it to Town Hall or any of those businesses also can call Mayor Tim Dougherty's office at 973-292-6629.