Preston post office to stay open amid unresolved contract issues

Preston ― The post office in Preston Market on Route 2 is running on borrowed time.

New store co-owner Don Costello has been trying since April to obtain a new contract with the U.S. Postal Service to keep the store’s Contract Postal Unit ― which functions as the town’s only post office ― open.

With last-minute issues not yet resolved, former store owner Scott Hunter agreed Monday to allow the new owners to continue using his dedicated internet connection to the Postal Service until Nov. 15.

That connection will allow the store to continue purchasing stamps and supplies ― and continue operating as a Contract Postal Unit until new equipment installed under Costello’s name is added.

“(Hunter’s) being really magnanimous to agree to do this for another six weeks,” Costello said.

Costello and partner Butch Gauthier bought the store in April from Hunter. But after initially trying to transfer Hunter’s postal service contract to the new owners, the parties realized the new owners should pursue their own contract.

Costello quickly became frustrated at lack of direction and response from various U.S. Postal Service departments across the country. Preston selectmen made phone calls, and staff from the office of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., helped Costello connect to the postal departments he needed.

With Hunter’s contract set to expire Monday and Costello’s new contract not yet finalized, the store was on the verge of closing the postal unit’s services.

Costello was told Monday he needed to submit additional credit reports for his new postal contract. And when he was told he also needed a new modem to connect his credit card to the Postal Service, he expected it to be installed immediately.

Instead, he was told it would take 30 days to receive the new unit. Hunter agreed to continue to allow Costello to use his modem connection until the new unit arrives.

When it arrives, Costello should be in business for himself with a new Contract Postal Unit for Preston.

c.bessette@theday.com