(L. to r.); Ed Babor representing Congressmember Carolyn Maloney, Georgia Gesker represnting the 114 Civil Patrol, John Katsanos husband of Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, Tatiana Deligiannakis representing Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., state Senator Michael Gianaris, Democratic District Leader, 36th AD Costa Constantinides, Steve Beard representing the Long Island City Alliance and, at right, Aravella Simotas herself at an evening rally to help save the Grand Station post office.Photo Jason D. AntosOn August 1, concerned residents of Astoria and elected officials rallied to urge the United States Postal Service (USPS) to keep the Grand Station post office, located at 45-08 30th Ave., open for business. Leading the rally was Democratic District Leader, 36th AD Costa Constantinides.
“I am disturbed by the news that the Postal Service is threatening to close one of Astoria’s main post offices. The Grand Station Post Office on 30th Avenue is important to our community and its closure would create significant problems for Astoria residents especially our seniors, families and the disabled. This decision would impact all of us through longer lines and worse service at the other locations. Astoria shouldn’t have to suffer because of bad decisions made in Washington,” Constantinides said. “Astoria shouldn’t have to suffer because of bad decisions made in Washington D.C.”
The branch appeared recently on a list  of post offices slated for possible closure in the next few months. According to local residents, the branch is important to those living in Southeast Astoria and is the most accessible to the residents living south of Astoria Boulevard.
Also present at the evening protest was state Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, Ed Babor representing Congressmember Carolyn Maloney and Tatiana Deligiannakis representing Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr.
“Closing the Grand Station Post Office would severely burden residents living in the area who rely on it for their daily needs. As a neighborhood with a large population of seniors and immigrants, closing this facility unfairly targets a subset of more vulnerable New Yorkers who have helped build the neighborhood to what it is today. It is not right that they should have to further suffer the consequences of the federal government’s economic hardships,” Gianaris said.
According to Simotas, the closure of the post office will especially hurt those who utilize money orders to pay their bills.
“Many people do not have bank accounts,” Simotas said. “The post office is one of the only ways that they can pay their bill and the rent. Keeping a vital service like this open is just common sense.”
Through past efforts Maloney successf prevented the closure of two other post offices in New York’s 14th Congressional District in 2009 that had been placed on a list of USPS facilities to be considered for closure,
To help save the Grand Station branch, email Costa4Astoria@gmail.com.