Changes in Saltaire: Golf Cart Service Expanding, Post Office Might Be Closing

Fire Island’s Saltaire will be undergoing some changes this season – expanding a golf cart service for those with mobility issues and possibly losing the town’s post office due to overwhelmed staff. The expansion of the golf cart service is a definite, while there’s been no formal announcement of the post office closing.

Golf Cart Service

For Fire Island residents who have mobility issues and need help getting around the village of Saltaire, a free golf cart service will be available to them. A golf cart service was already offered to residents in need on the mainly car-free island, shuttling them to and from certain places, including the ferry, doctor’s appointments, board meetings and church.

At a meeting on April 10, Trustee Hugh O’Brien said the shuttle will now also be available to and from Pacific Walk ocean beach, central downtown areas and the bay swimming area. This free service is run by Fire Island’s public safety department.

Post Office

Due to the overwhelming number of packages from online shopping at the Saltaire post office, officials say they’re considering closing the seasonal post office. With just two village employees – one of them is 83 years old – there aren’t enough employees to handle the influx of packages.
The Saltaire post office is open from the middle of May through Labor Day and receives up to 1,000 packages per day during the summer at the tiny office, the size of a closet. President of Fire Island Ferries Inc., Tim Money, said ferries deliver between 500 to 800 packages a day, while the U.S. Postal Service delivers up to 200 packages a day on passenger ferries.

Village administrator Mario Posillico told Newsday, “That sort of small town post office operation has turned into a freight depot for us,” adding, “It’s become a challenge. It’s not really what we signed up for.”

Now, more than ever, buying a Fire Island beach house is a considerable investment which can bring family memories for years to come. For over 40 years William J Newman Realty has had the pleasure of servicing the west end of Fire Island, helping families enjoy this special barrier beach destination. Call us today about renting or buying from Fair Harbor to Dunewood, Lonelyville, to Saltaire.