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Banks shut lobbies, switch to drive-thru

A row of cars backs up around the rear of the Community Bank branch in Saranac Lake on Thursday. (Enterprise photo — Cathy Moore)

Many banks are closing their doors and switching to only drive-thru and online services amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Adirondack Bank, Community Bank, Tri-Lakes Federal Credit Union, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and NBT Bank have all closed down their lobbies.

Adirondack bank has expanded all its drive-thru location hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Lobby services are available by appointment between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Its online banking, mobile banking, telephone banking, LiveChat, night drop depositories and ATMs will continue to operate normally.

If customers have questions regarding their accounts, Adirondack Bank’s change in branch operations or would like to make an appointment for lobby service, they can contact the customer service center at (315) 272-2500 or (877) 404-2265.

In a press release, President and CEO Rocco F. Arcuri, Sr. said, “These operational changes were made with great care. We believe they strike an appropriate balance between the well-being of employees and customers and the need for Adirondack Bank to continue to serve its customers whose banking needs can only be performed in our lobbies.”

Tri-Lakes Federal Credit Union shut down its Saranac Lake lobby at noon Thursday and switched over to drive-thru services. Those hours for the drive-thru will remain the same – 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The bank does not operate on Saturdays.

The Lake Placid location does not have a drive-thru. It’s also closing down its lobby, but the ATM vestibule and night drop are still available.

Vice President of Lending Melissa O’Brien said customers can call the bank if they have any questions about their accounts or other services. That number is 518-891-1666 Community Bank is looking to expand its drive-thru hours and is encouraging its customers to do their banking online or over the phone. Their customer service can be reached at 1-866-764-8638, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Their ATMs and night deposit boxes are also still available.

In a press release Community Bank Senior Vice President for Retail Banking Hal Wentworth said, “The most important action we can take right now is to be proactive and precautionary. We understand the vital importance of our customers having access to their accounts.”

Champlain National Bank’s Saranac Lake and Plattsburgh locations do not have drive-thru services and will remain open, according to its website. The rest have switched over to drive-thru.

Certain in-person accommodations will be made by appointments. Those include notary services, safe deposit box access, coin orders, withdrawals of $10,000 or more, wire transfers, new debit cards, opening accounts and medallion signature guarantees.

NBT Bank has temporarily increased its daily limits for withdrawals and mobile deposits. They’re also waiving late fees and penalties for early CD withdrawals up to $20,000.

Starting at $4.75/week.

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