Paradise Valley’s town hall post office — the only postal location within the town limits.
— is slated to close at the end of September unless town leaders can change the federal government’s decision.
The town hall post office has operated in Paradise Valley for more than 60 years. According to a town press release, the United States Postal Service notified the town earlier this month that it plans to close the branch on Sept. 30.
The town received notice from USPS on June 2 that it intends to exercise the termination clause in the contract. There was no further explanation.
“Our town post office pre-dates the current town hall and is a community hub for neighbors and friends,” Paradise Valley Mayor Mark Stanton stated in the release. “I have encouraged our state and federal legislative leaders to weigh in so we can reach a positive resolution that keeps the post office open.”
USPS does not pay to maintain the location. As the town owns the building, it pays for supplies and personnel, the press release stated.
“We let the postal service know there is no upside to closing our small branch, while it would eliminate an important service that is a part of the fabric of our community,” Stanton stated. “We don’t have shopping malls, libraries or other public gathering spaces. People go to the post office, stop by and say hello to town employees and often strike up a conversation with a neighbor.”