Rita's Dry Cleaners Launches Online Petition

Last week, Rita's Dry Cleaner's—which has operated a post office for the last 17 years at 257 Columbia Street, located between President and Carroll Streets—launched an online petition to protest the notice of closure it received from the American Postal Workers Union.

After hearing rumors that her location would be one of nearly 4,000 local post offices being closed across the United States, Farone received a letter on January 23 announcing the termination of her contract with the USPS. Following the event, the surrounding community has reacted in various shows of support including an open letter sent by Community Board 6 District Manager Craig Hammerman to the Postmaster General on behalf of Rita's, as well as a lengthy list of names gathered at the post office that were also delivered to the American Postal Workers Union.

"While the hours are limited, it is so nice to be able to take things over to Rita rather than visiting our Red Hook branch!" wrote local supporter T Crickett Blassage Powell, on the "Keep Rita's Open" petition page via his Facebook account .

At press time, the online petition has only gathered 16 signatures and will likely need to accumulate many more if owner Rita Farone is to stay open. The closing date originally given to Farone by the American Postal Workers Union was March 30. Interested neighbors are also encouraged to reach out to their government representatives.