Several protestors stood outside the downtown post office this afternoon in an attempt to prevent its closure and the sale of the building. Over 400 people signed a petition against the closure. Since the announcement of the sale, Congressman Chris Smith met with USPS officials who gave their commitment that the needs of the downtown customers will continue to be met at a new Contract Postal Unit (CPU) scheduled to open in the coming weeks at 218 Clifton Avenue. The USPS said then that the economic downturn and increased diversion to the Internet have caused the agency great losses, forcing the closure of the post office branch.