Overnight closure of Post Office vestibule addresses public health and public safety concerns
(January 10, 2025) SUMMIT, NJ – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, MD, stopped by the Summit Post Office, inspecting its vestibule after office hours were recently changed to address an overnight homeless encampment in the post office that had caused public health and community safety concerns, including unsanitary conditions and odor issues.
This partnership between local and federal government sought to improve the health and safety at the post office for area residents and staff.
The post office had been struggling with a growing homeless encampment located in the vestibule. Issues like human waste and littering, in addition to the persistent odor, created a hazardous and unhygienic environment for the community.
After outreach from Mayor Fagan regarding this matter, Congressman Kean reached out to the U.S. Postal Service, requesting changes to the operation hours of the facility to limit public access during late night and early morning hours when the encampment was most active. In response to the Congressman’s advocacy, the post office adjusted its hours which helped reduce the frequency of homeless individuals seeking shelter around the property. New signage will be posted soon.
“Homelessness is a complex issue that requires thoughtful solutions and compassionate outreach,” said Congressman Kean. “I am pleased to see the progress we have made for the residents of Summit and their local post office. With the adjusted hours of operation, the needs of public health and community safety of our neighbors, post office staff, and our local police will be addressed. By working together, we have found a solution that benefits the City of Summit and ensures the post office remains clean and safe for residents and staff.”
“Thank you to Congressman Kean for his swift action in addressing the concerns raised by our community,” said Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan. “His responsiveness and willingness to collaborate with the city to resolve this issue demonstrates the power of working together at all levels of government to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents, workers, and visitors.”
During his tenure in the New Jersey Senate, Congressman Kean sponsored the first ever statewide “Code Blue” law in New Jersey that directed every county to have a plan in place to shelter at-risk individuals in freezing weather. Kean also sponsored a later law to ensure that those who turned to a warming center for shelter are also given access to lifesaving healthcare and social services.
Congressman Kean’s casework team has assisted numerous residents who are elderly, infirm, or disabled stay in their homes through intervening casework, and have helped individuals facing homeless find aid through referrals to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and county health and human services departments.
“In this instance at the Summit Post Office, we have to protect the safety of Summit residents and postal workers,” added Kean. “My office has worked to help individuals facing homeless finding services and obtaining assistance both from federal, state, and local agencies. For those facing homelessness, please call 211, go to NJ211.org, and reach out to my office where my casework staff will connect constituents with appropriate resources.”