But local officials worry about the potential loss of hundreds of jobs.
The Shrewsbury facility, at 192 Main St., employs about 495 people; the Waltham facility, at 200 Smith St., employs approximately 395.
“We’re obviously very concerned,’’ said Shrewsbury’s town manager, Daniel J. Morgado. “We don’t want this facility to close.’’
Morgado said the Board of Selectmen have taken a proactive approach and rezoned the property as strictly commercial, just in case the plant does shut down and the real estate is sold.
“We had to play some defense here,’’ Morgado. “What Shrewsbury doesn’t need is more housing.’’
Closing the Waltham mail facility would cut approximately 166 positions and could save about $20 million in maintenance and staffing costs, while shuttering the Shrewsbury facility would cut 96 positions and could result in $7.7 million in savings, according to the feasibility study’s initial findings.
John Flattery, president of American Postal Workers Union Local No. 4553, is hoping for a good turnout at the public meetings this evening and next week.
“People look at the Post Office and think it will be there forever,’’ said Flattery. “We want people to know about this before it’s too late.’’
At each meeting, postal officials will share their initial findings and allow citizens to ask questions and provide feedback.
“We’ll be soliciting public comment at the meeting and for 15 days afterward,’’ said Postal Service spokeswoman Maureen P. Marion.
Those who cannot attend the meetings may submit their comments in writing to USPS Consumer and Industry Manager, Greater Boston District, 25 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02205-0098.
Marion said all options are still on the table, and public input will be considered before final decisions are made.
Shrewsbury and Waltham are among several mail-processing facilities in Massachusetts that the Postal Service has been studying for possible closure or consolidation. Officials are also looking at facilities in Brockton and Wareham, with the potential for moving those operations to Providence.
Similar feasibility studies are underway elsewhere across the country, as the Postal Service aims to save $3 billion a year by closing and consolidating mail-processing facilities, and changing its delivery schedules. The standard for first-class mail, which is now slated for delivery within one to three days, would become two to three days under one proposal.
Postal officials say restructuring is necessary because mail volume is declining. Over the past five years, first-class mail has dropped 25 percent, and stamped letters have declined by 36 percent, according to spokeswoman Marion.
“We need to look at what creates the most efficiency for the Postal Service,’’ she said.
