MEDINA, N.Y. (WKBW/WHAM) — The Medina Business Park in Orleans County may be in the running to be the next Amazon distribution center, as reported by affiliate WHAM.
A representative for the Village of Medina and the Orleans County Economic Development Agency tells WHAM the Medina Business Park is under consideration for the more than $300 million project.
A spokesperson for the OEDA tells WHAM in a statement:
“The MBP is a site primly suited for the Amazon project. It has more than 200 industrial-zoned NYS certified shovel-ready acres, and the Medina Business Park has the most robust infrastructure of any site from Niagara Falls to Albany. These are just some of the benefits Orleans County can offer Amazon, along with close proximity to the thruway and both Buffalo & Rochester International airports. Orleans County has a strong workforce and a thriving cluster of manufacturing and industry.”
On Wednesday, the developer notified the Town of Grand Island that it was withdrawing the application for the project, known as "Project Olive."
Friday, Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Corey Wiktor announced the IDA has been in contact with Amazon on the benefits of the project going to the Southern Tier and officially threw the county's hat in the ring for the project.
“We have some ideal locations that would be a perfect fit for the proposed warehouse and we would welcome the opportunity to show these properties to Amazon and their representatives,” Wiktor said. “Our proximity to Southern Erie County and Northern Pennsylvania would provide a strong labor pool for Amazon to meet its hiring requirements.”
Amazon spokesperson Rachael Lighty issued this statement to 7 Eyewitness News on Wednesday:
“Amazon is a dynamic business and we are constantly exploring new locations. We weigh a variety of factors when deciding where to develop future sites to best serve customers. We have dozens of fulfillment centers, sortation centers and delivery stations under construction and evolving around the world. It’s common for us to explore multiple locations simultaneously and adjust timetables based on needs across the network. We have decided not to pursue a location in Erie County at this time, although we continue to explore opportunities to invest and grow across the region and New York state. We appreciate the time and attention committed to this potential project by the Town of Grand Island, Erie County, Invest Buffalo-Niagara, and state officials throughout this preliminary process and introductory meetings.”
The distribution center will bring 1,000 new jobs to the area.
