TOWN OF NIAGARA, N.Y. (WKBW) — The $300 million Amazon Distribution Center on Lockport Road is causing concern in the Town of Niagara. The facility, approved in 2022, has faced controversy mainly due to the influx of traffic. Neighbors, including John Kvamme and Tom Scalzo, are voicing their frustrations.
"And now it's a 3 million square foot monstrosity," Kvamme said.
"Dust, noise, 7 days a week," Scalzo said. "500 tractor trailers going in, 500 tractor trailers going out."
Niagara County Legislator Chris Robins wrote letters to the engineers overseeing the project stating that traffic will be a problem during and after it's built.
"Can Amazon be a good neighbor and do their part?" Legislator Robins asked. "Can they make sure that when vehicles pull out of here, that they don't have mud on them?"
Robins added that while the current construction is challenging, there are plans for other improvements in the area.
"This road is going to be reconfigured when completed," Legislator Robins said. "Right now, during this process, I think this is going to be one of the hardest times, and I guess patience by all involved will be key too."
Town Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso highlighted the economic benefits of the Amazon Distribution Center, stating it is expected to create around 1,000 jobs.
"This is a project the town has never seen before," Virtuoso said. "And the size of the project is actually something Niagara County hasn't seen in forever."
I reached out to Amazon and received the following statement:
“Our team meets regularly with Erdman Anthony and is working hard to minimize the traffic impact of the work being done to construct this facility. We appreciate Mr. Robins’ concerns and would be happy to brief him on the progress we’re making at his convenience.”
