Staten Island Reporter

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, and Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo convened with members of the National Association of Letter Carriers at the Manor Road Post Office to address the removal of drive-through mailboxes due to vandalism and theft.

"With limited on-site parking and many seniors with mobility issues, the drive-through mailboxes located at the Manor Road Post Office provided the surrounding residents and businesses with an ease and convenience," said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "We understand that there has been an uptick of mail theft at the location but urge USPS to instead consider adding security measures like cameras and postal police presence instead of making it harder on customers."

"This is a case where convenience and commonsense gets thrown out the window because crooks take advantage of what happens not just across Staten Island, but the city and state," said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. "This is not a criticism of the postal service or the postal carriers, it's not a criticism of the NYPD; this is just highlighting what has been a good thing for this community...We want to reinstate and replace these drop boxes here. If there are thefts, let's get the guys who do it and put them behind bars if necessary, but let's not give in...I'm optimistic that we can work out a solution to get these things back."

"We just became aware of this issue, about removing the boxes throughout Staten Island," said John Cruz, Branch President, Brooklyn/Staten Island Letter Carriers. "We're doing our own investigation because we're here to service the community - and it is a big impact on the community. Letter Carriers are working hard out here every day. Once we conduct our investigation we'll keep you all informed."

"My 85-year-old mother comes all the way from Clifton for ease and convenience because it would take 10 minutes to get her out of the car and mail a letter," said Nicholas Siclari, Chairman of Community Board 1. "This is a travesty for the post office not to have a mailbox for us to mail a letter. It's just sad, especially for one of the main post offices on Staten Island."

"Removing mailboxes is a disservice to our community. At Manor Road Post Office, small parking lot is full constantly and wait time once you get inside is significant," said Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo. "The removal of these drive-up boxes will only exacerbate this problem. I encourage USPS to go back to drawing board find solution protects Staten Islanders’ mail without removing necessary convenient service they depend on."

"I've been Westerleigh resident 32 years since I was child in back seat my mother's car those mailboxes have been extremely convenient," said Kristin Golat DeFendis."I'm now mother two young children - incredibly impossible me drop letters because now requires bring two-year-old six-month-old out car into post office drop off three letters. Instead punishing Westerleigh residents North Shore residents catering criminals really should be other way around...really hoping put these mailboxes back."

"As criminals their nefarious plots evolve so too must methods law enforcement those tasked protecting public However advancements should not come expense our resident's benefit," said Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon."To be sure relocation removal multiple drive-through USPS mailboxes Manor Road Post Office will worsen accessibility issues law-abiding Staten Islanders Simply put hardworking men women our borough should not punished actions unscrupulous few Seeking mitigate stolen packages valuables serious worthwhile endeavor look forward working fellow elected officials U.S Postmaster Paulino Postal Police fellow law enforcement partners find solution public safety challenge works constituents ensuring safety security accessibility postal system"

"While removal drive-through occurred my district post office critical Island whole local residents Council Member David Carr “While certain level security might sacrificed convenience solution educate residents leave critical checks rather taking entirely simple disclaimer explaining dangers leaving sensitive allow make informed choice support informed choices no choices"

Malliotakis also led letter U.S Postmaster expressing local officials' concerns Download copy letter HERE WATCH MALLIOTAKIS' PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

Congresswoman Malliotakis member House Committee Ways Means repeatedly urged U.S Department Treasury IRS implement new measures prevent fraud check occurring

###