After more than 60 years of serving the South Street Seaport community and surrounding areas, the Peck Slip Post Office has moved their carrier operations to nearby Church Street Station. In coordination with the Network Consolidation Plan, the building at One Peck Slip was purchased by the NYC Board of Education with the intent of using the site as a public school. So on March 30th 2012, about 48 Letter Carriers went out on their routes from the corner of Peck Slip and Water Street for the last time.
The mood of the employees at the venerable building seemed to run the gamut from excitement and anticipation, to melancholy and reluctance.
“I’m going to miss the ambiance of this place,” said James Gordon, a Letter Carrier with 31 years of memories of Peck Slip. “The cobblestone streets, the Fulton Street Fish Market, the breezy summers––it all brings back fond memories.”
“I’ve seen a lot of changes throughout the years,” added Letter Carrier Vincent Carannati, also with 31 years of service. “The area went from all business to residential. I guess that’s why they need a school now. But I loved my time here.”
At 65,372 sq. foot, the four story building has been home to 79 employees, four retail windows, an inquiry window, a lift-service truck bay and 29 delivery routes. Peck Slip serves more than 12,600 delivery addresses.
“Thanks to JARAP (Joint Alternate Route Adjustment Process) Team leader James Puccio and his staff, the move was meticulously planned and it won’t have any impact on our customers,” said Mgr. Paul Sciuto. “The carriers going out today will return to Church Street Station at the end of the day, and starting tomorrow will permanently report to Church Street .”
Retail services will remain at Peck Slip until construction at the new finance facility at John Street is completed––estimated to be sometime in June.
“This place will always be special in regards to location and history,” added Supv. Gregory Witherspoon. “Right down the street is the South Street Seaport which hosts great events, activities and views of the harbor. We had some great times here.”
“I’m ready for the change,” said Donald Sims, a Letter Carrier for 38 years. “But I definitely enjoyed my stay here.”
“When I first started here, we had four men on a route,” recalled Joe Salvini, who has worked at Peck Slip for 38 years. “In the mid 70’s we delivered three times a day. As dilapidated as this place is, we’ve been blessed to have worked here. It’s been fun and I never missed a paycheck.”
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| L to R: Vincent Carannante, Joseph Salvini, Clement Moses depart from Peck Slip Station |