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KINGSTON — Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company has opened its doors in Kingston, sharing space with the U.S. Post Office at the corner of Pierce Street and Wyoming Avenue.
Its opening marks the 24th branch of the business based in Eastern Pennsylvania, with two more branches scheduled to open in the near future.
The building was purchased by the bank from the post office for $495,000 in January 2015, and the post office now leases about 2,000 square feet of the building’s 9,000 square feet of space.
Jim Keates, postal clerk, said it’s a win-win situation, providing customers access to a variety of postal services, including the sale of stamps and greeting cards, the opportunity to send packages and post office box rentals.
Keates said when 25 letter carriers were relocated to the main post office in Wilkes-Barre, the Kingston office needed less space. The sale of the property to the bank and subsequent leasing of the building provided a solution that was pragmatic and customer friendly.
“People often ask if packages that are sent from our (Kingston) post office take more time to get to their destination,” said Keates. “The answer is no, all area post offices have their mail processed through Lehigh Valley.”
Diane Supey, a customer of the post office, said she appreciates the opportunity to come to the bank and interact with people face to face.
“I’m not an online kind of person,” Supey, who was mailing a package on Tuesday, said. “I like to do things like mailing packages and banking in person.”
Keates acknowledged there were some growing pains during the renovations, but hopes to get the word out that the full service post office is up and running, with ample parking areas and handicapped accessibility.
He also appreciates an additional employee assigned to the location.
“I used to be here by myself,” he said. “But now, I have a partner.”
Craig Best, president and chief executive officer of the bank, is looking forward to a positive coexistence of both entities.
He said the full-service branch, located in the heart of the borough, offers customers the latest products and services to meet their financial needs.
The branch offers a two-lane drive-thru, full-service teller line, offices, a conference room and a drive-up ATM.
With nine employees, Best is confident the branch will meet the needs of its customers.
“We are excited to begin a new relationship with the people of Kingston,” said Ken Osiecki, assistant vice president and branch manager in a press release. “Opening this branch will better help us fulfill our customers financial needs.”