Letter to the Editor

On BOFA Closure

Dear Editor: 

On July 19, 2022, our Bank of America (BOFA) Winthrop branch will be permanently closed/the ATM shut–leaving only one ATM for the entire town at the busy and often dangerous intersection at Main and Pleasant Streets.  The location is difficult to reach both by car and foot because of the Dunkin Donuts drive through, gas station and other congestion.  

 The idea that BOFA is not downsizing and is leaving town permanently is disappointing with so many open/empty storefronts around town.  There is also the question of what will happen to the BOFA parcel, which includes both the savings bank building and the former Sons of Italy Hall/parking lots.

Instead, July 19, BOFA will be migrating all Winthrop accounts to a designated “home branch” in Revere on Squire Road/Northgate Shopping Center.  Certain transactions that cannot be done electronically must be done at a home branch–including updating transponder numbers on a direct deposit to another account/another bank—for example if you want to change from BOFA to a different bank in Winthrop—those numbers must be changed to move a direct deposit. 

Because the Winthrop branch has been closed with the exception of the ATM since March 2020, there is no way to change a direct deposit to another bank until the accounts are migrated.  That means someone like myself who relies on public transportation must: 1) Take Paul Revere bus to Orient Heights, 2) Take Blue Line/shuttle bus to Wonderland, 3) Take MBTA bus out of Wonderland about 20 stops to Northgate and then the reverse.  If there is an issue/there maybe more than one trip required. 

I have reached out to BOFA with no response, and to our statehouse delegation who do have staff members looking into it.  Now—Winthrop residents need to reach out and let them know their concerns the more BOFA hears from Winthrop residents the better and our State Rep. and Senator need to hear that Winthrop residents/constituents have concerns:

Miceal Chamberlain, President, Massachusetts—BOFA

@MG_Chamberlain  (Twitter)

Whitney Rosenbaum, BOFA, Boston Community Relations,

800.882.1174

Eric Reidster–Office of State Senator Lydia Edwards

617-722-1634

eric.reidister@masenate.gov

Jake Letterie—Office of State Rep. Jeffrey R. Turco

Phone: (617) 722-2080

Email: Jeffrey.Turco@mahouse.gov

Thank you and I ask Transcript readers/Winthrop residents to please share this information with friends/family, and on social media as well.

Dena Barisano