Congressman Serrano Responds to USPS Sale of the Bronx General Post Office

Press Release

After learning from the United States Postal Office (USPS) the Bronx General Post Office has been sold, U.S. Congressman José E. Serrano (D-NY) released today the statement below. The United States Postal Office has not officially announced the sale, but has labeled the facility as "Sold" on the website where they list USPS properties for sale. The historic building, which has landmark status and contains 13 historically significant murals in its lobby completed by renowned artist Ben Shahn during the Great Depression, will maintain a post office under the new ownership.

"The United States Postal Service has sold one of the Bronx's most important community and historic treasures in a completely irresponsible manner-- ignoring historic preservation law, without considering other options, and without properly consulting the community and listening to its concerns. The USPS has disregarded the voices of the Bronx community, elected officials, historic preservationists, and their own employees- all of whom opposed this process and this sale. Moreover, they have failed to formally announce the sale and provide details to the community.

"The leadership of the Postal Service has clearly lost all perspective regarding their responsibility to the public that they are supposed to serve, and their efforts to sell the Bronx GPO are emblematic of their flawed attitude. The Postal Service are stewards of buildings that ultimately belong to the American people, but sadly the USPS seems to feel no responsibility to the very people who suffer when they sell their property- their customers.

"Although I strongly oppose the sale of the historic Bronx General Post Office, I understand that the Postal Service has agreed with me and the surrounding community on one important point: that there must continue to be a post office in this facility. This, combined with our previous efforts to landmark the Ben Shahn murals, means that there will be some services and protections remaining despite the change in the building's ownership.

"However, these victories are small compared to the feelings of those in the community whose voices were minimized and ignored throughout this process. It's a shame. Unfortunately, the people of the Bronx are not alone in these frustrations. All throughout the United States, the Postal Service is neglecting historic post offices and offering them for sale at bargain prices.

"No-one doubts that the Postal Service has serious financial problems- but the solution to those problems does not lie in selling off pieces of our nation's history and legacy, let alone doing so in a manner that minimizes public input and ignores their obligations under the law. This is why I recently introduced legislation to reform the way the Postal Office goes about selling their properties and to ensure greater accountability under the law. Our communities deserve better than was has happened in the Bronx, and this legislation will ensure that their voices are no longer ignored.

"The development company that purchased this building now has many choices as to how to develop the project. I expect them to listen to the many community voices that feel strongly about this building, and I will continue fighting for the community's needs and concerns to be taken in consideration as the project evolves," said Congressman Serrano.

Congressman Serrano championed efforts to protect the 13 murals by extending the post office's protected historical landmark status to its interior. He also commissioned two reports on the process the USPS employs to sell its historical properties, which shed light on the flawed processes involved. Last month, Congressman Serrano introduced legislation to reform the Postal Service's sale of historic post offices and require them to move forward with any future sales in a transparent manner, in compliance with federal laws, and in consultation with local communities. These reforms would prevent what is happening in the Bronx and other places throughout the nation from continuing to occur in the future.

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