Officials criticize Social Security Administration for sudden closure of Newburgh offices

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The Social Security Administration is facing scrutiny by local officials for the sudden closure of its City of Newburgh offices, seemingly without any public notice. The location at 3 Washington Center permanently closed last Thursday and operations were moved to a new location, at 85 Crystal Run Road in the Town of Wallkill. “I just think it was poorly done. The federal government should know better,” says New York state Sen. Rob Rolison. Rolison says his office was notified of the move by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s office on Thursday. News 12 went to the location in Newburgh on Wednesday and saw security turning people away at the door and handing out flyers with information about the two nearest locations, at One Park Place in Peekskill, and 332 Main St. in Poughkeepsie. The Social Security Administration says its new Town of Wallkill location was supposed to open on Monday but hasn’t due to an “unexpected facility issue.” Security at the building say the location is experiencing computer problems. “It sucks,” says one woman who News 12 saw getting turned away. “At least put it on Google that this office is closed.” A Google search still shows the Newburgh location is open as of Wednesday afternoon. Rolison says the last-minute move is out of touch with seniors, people with disabilities and other residents in the Newburgh area who may not drive and need help the most. The Social Security Administration did not respond to questions about the timing of the move or how it was handled. They say the new Town of Wallkill location is not expected to open until Friday and are directing inquiries by phone to 866-504-4801, or online at www.socialsecurity.gov . "