Business

Capital One closing its Jamesport branch

The building at 1491 Main Road used to house a North Fork Bank branch.  (Credit: Michael White)
The building at 1491 Main Road used to house a North Fork Bank branch. (Credit: Michael White)

Citing ever-ongoing efforts to operate “as efficiently as possible while continuing to provide quality service and products,” a Capital One Bank spokeswoman confirmed this week the company will be closing down its Jamesport branch.

It’s one of five branches and one drive-up bank closing in Suffolk County, said the spokeswoman, Julie Rakes.

They will be closing April 24 and April 25, she said.

“We take the decision to consolidate branch locations seriously, as we understand the effect that it has on our associates and customers,” Ms. Rakes said. “Customers were informed via letter mailed January 21 of the branch closing.”

The branch’s five employees were all given more than 90 days notice that their positions were being eliminated, she said.

“They will be able to post for roles at other Capital One locations and the company will assist in that process,” she said. “In addition, all impacted associates will be eligible to receive a severance package, including retraining assistance and outplacement services if they are not able to find another role within the company.

One loyal customer of two decades interviewed outside the branch Friday said the company was making a mistake.

“They’re being pennywise and pound foolish,” said Paul Wilmot, a business owner who lives nearby.

“I hate it,” he said. “These people are the best. I’m only here because of these ladies. I’ve been with them for over 20 years. It’s convenient because it’s right here. I come here, they know me. Now what? I have to go somewhere else and reinvent myself.”

Employees at the branch said they could not comment on its impending closure.

Customers in Jamesport will see their accounts automatically transferred to the Riverhead branch on Route 58, Ms. Rakes said.

“There will be no changes to customers’ accounts or their account numbers; they will continue to receive the same level of high quality service at any of our nearly 900 branches,” she said.

The building at 1491 Main Road used to house a North Fork Bank branch.

North Fork was absorbed in 2006 by the much larger Capital One, which acquired it for $13.2 billion.

The other branches closing in Suffolk are in Amagansett, Bay Shore, East Quogue, Stony Brook and the Deer Park drive-up.

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