The closing of the downtown post office has been delayed until after the holidays, “pending review,” according to U.S. Postal representatives and an order from the Postal Regulatory Commission dated Nov. 18. The order, written by Acting Secretary Ruth Abrams, claims that “justification for the closing (by the Postal Service) is unconfirmed.” Postal Service officials held a public meeting in November 2011 to gather comments on the potential closing of the downtown facility.

From the PRC Remand Order

USPS request did not include how many employees will be affected, where the PO Boxes will be housed, incorrectly stated PO was not a historic building, submitted 3 different documents on annual savings and  much more.. .

In this proceeding, the Postal Service proposes to close the Downtown Fernandina Beach Station post office to provide retail and delivery service by a contract postal unit (CPU). The Public Representative persuasively argues that the Postal Service’s action constitutes a consolidation of facilities under its regulations. This is not to say that the Commission’s review authority may be altered by Postal Service regulations, simply that the Postal Service is bound to follow its regulations.

Inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the Administrative Record demonstrate that the Postal Service failed to consider the needs of the community. For example, the record incorrectly states that the Downtown Fernandina Beach Station is not in a historic building; the Postal Service statement that the downtown community is going to incorporate into the neighboring city is in dispute;and while the Postal Service cites to declining revenue numbers, it does not explain how this relates to its decision to end Post Office Box rentals in 2011.

The Postal Service’s determination to close the Downtown Fernandina Beach Station post office is remanded to the
Postal Service for further action.

see PRC remand  order