The US Postal Service yesterday signed another five year lease to continue retail business at the Hazlet Post office, to the relief of local residents who have heard rumors of its possible closure.

The owner of the 6,800 square foot building, William Sullivan, Jr. of Monmouth Ocean Realty Investment Co., confirmed the April 30 agreement. He said it came on the last day before the agreement expired.

Raymond V Daiutolo Sr, a US Postal Service spokesman, said, "There are no plans at this time to close that location. Of course, as you know, our organization is going though a lot of change.  So, no one can say with any certainty what will happen in five years."

He added, "However, if we renewed the lease, I believe that should help stifle the rumors for now."

The postal service had previously signed a five year lease with an option to renew for another five years.

Sullivan, Jr. is based in Vero Beach, Florida. The one-story beige brick post office at 65 Hazlet Avenue was built by his father, William Sullivan, in 1965 expressly for the Postal Service. The Postal Service has leased it ever since.

Last November, Hazlet letter carriers were transferred to the Matawan Post Office in an effort to improve efficiencies, the postal service said. The carriers from the West Long Branch post office were transferred to Eatontown, as the postal service deals with overall declining volume and revenue. 

Editor's note, May 2: A previous version of the story incorrectly described the situation at the Eatontown post office. It has been corrected.