22-03-2025
'A last-mile delivery station': What to know about first potential Amazon center in Vermont
Essex Town residents are voicing their concerns over a proposed 107,000-square-foot distribution center.
They're concerned the building and traffic will have negative environmental impacts and potentially draw customers away from small businesses.
Those concerns have been voiced across social media, where Burlington and Essex business Phoenix Books called residents to action to attend the Development Review Board meeting on March 20, where plans for the development were to be discussed.
Katie DeSanto, general manager of Phoenix Books in Essex, shared her concerns with Amazon deliveries taking away work from USPS, FedEx and UPS, stating that "the infrastructure is already in place," and that there doesn't have to be "instant gratification" that comes with next day Amazon deliveries.
The item in question was not the only item on the board's agenda and was not introduced until almost three hours into the meeting. Developers from Scannell Properties, LLC shared the plans for the physical building and surrounding acreage before an open forum began.
It was a turnout larger than the Development Review Board was expecting, if the overflowing room, standing occupants and lack of microphones - making it a challenging listen for attendees in the back - was any indication.
Around 80 residents crunched their way into the Municipal Building, a line out the door forming as attendees signed in before entering. Approximately, 60 people joined virtually.
The building site would be off Saxon Hill Road in Essex Junction. While still in the early stages, Amazon has interest in housing a facility at the lot. The international company is not mentioned by name in development documents, but Jonathan Greeley, Amazon's head of economic development for New England, joined the developers to speak on the project and answer questions.
Vermonters, often known for their opposition of big business and corporate mindset, shared their displeasure in having an Amazon distribution center in their neighborhood.
If built, it would be the first in the state. Greeley said Vermont's Amazon deliveries are all currently delivered by third parties. He provided more context of what an Amazon operation would look like in Vermont.
"As a last-mile delivery station, product will make its way here from warehouses primarily in Massachusetts or Connecticut," Greenley said. "It would make its way to this building; we would sort it and send it out in approximately a 70-mile radius."
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Many impassioned residents took the floor to speak of their concerns - often followed by rousing applause by other residents - before the meeting was concluded at 11 p.m. Not all concerns were addressed before the meeting was adjourned.
Various environmental concerns were brought up including that a large distribution warehouse necessitates trucks frequenting the surrounding roadways. The site is located a few miles from Interstate 89, leading to questions about the heightened presence of trucks and vans on smaller, quieter, and often neighborhood roadways.
One resident who lives "across the street from where this is proposed," said that small trucks, large trucks or employees driving in as they go to work will be "significant and noticeable."
She cited noise pollution and environmental pollution affecting residents and wildlife, and a concern of safety for kids, stating a "one-year-old just moved in across the street."
Developers said there would be scheduled times for the vehicles arriving at the facility, estimated one or two trucks an hour would depart between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Besides the physical building impact, residents were concerned about the impact a company like Amazon could have on local small businesses, along with concerns about working conditions at Amazon facilities.
Greeley commented on the relationship between Vermont businesses and Amazon, stating that, "more than 600 businesses in Vermont use Amazon to reach their 2023, the average business generated $250,000 in revenue from Amazon and sold 6 million items total."
Bill Calfee, owner of Myti - a Vermont-based e-commerce platform that connects online shoppers to local retailers, and ships products in days - said that an Amazon facility would be a threat to small businesses and workers that support the local economy.
"Vermont prides itself on strong labor protections and thriving small businesses," Calfee said. "Amazon's model undermines both."
The board did not vote on the proposal but will at a later date. Its meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month and the third Thursday of the month as needed.
Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Large distribution center proposed for Saxon Hill Road, Essex Junction
