Kendall-Whittier Post Office To Close

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A Tulsa neighborhood is losing its post office.

Some residents in the area are fighting to keep it open, but the Kendall-Whittier Post Office at First Street and Lewis Avenue will close May 1.

Phil and Fred are part of the Dream Team for the Whittier Station Post Office. They are a huge help to Whittier Station's customers because they are fluent in Spanish, which is important in a neighborhood with a large Hispanic population.

"They know their business," nearby resident Fran said. "They are great."

Those who live near the post office say they will be inconvenienced by the closing.

After the Whittier station closes its doors, customers can go to the Donaldson station near 15th Street and Lewis Avenue or to the downtown station at Fourth Street and Denver Avenue.

"It's kind of far (to go downtown), but maybe my mom is going to be able to go over there," said Luis, who will be affected by the post office shutting down.

The U.S. Postal Service released a statement about the Whittier Station, stating the factors impacting the decision for the closure -- customer numbers have dropped over the past two years and the current lease is set to expire May 24.

Despite protests, petitions and rallies, the neighbors will have to find another post office.

Fred and Phil have worked at the station for five years and are not losing their jobs. They will move to the downtown post office.