Plans for a massive new Amazon warehouse in Orange County, New York have hit a wall. The Town of Wawayanda Zoning Board has unanimously denied a zoning appeal submitted by the tech giant, halting the proposed development of a 3.2 million square-foot warehouse in the area.
While Amazon has already established a notable footprint across the Hudson Valley, including several fulfillment centers and warehouses, this latest decision marks a significant pushback from local officials and community members.
Town of Wawayanda Rejects Amazon’s Request
Amazon’s proposed project required zoning variances—most notably a height exception—to move forward with construction in Wawayanda. However, the Zoning Board denied the appeal outright last week, following considerable public input and opposition.
Though the project received some local support, particularly from labor unions and development advocates, the board’s decision was clear and unanimous.
Concerns Raised by Residents and Local Officials
Opposition to the project centered around several key concerns:
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Traffic Congestion: Residents feared that the warehouse would dramatically increase traffic volumes, especially with large trucks and delivery vans moving in and out of the facility daily.
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Environmental Impact: Community members cited potential increases in pollution and noise, and questioned whether the warehouse would disrupt the rural and suburban character of the area.
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Overdevelopment: Critics like Orange County Executive candidate Michael Sussman argued the warehouse would “radically alter the character of the town.”
Additionally, critics highlighted the tax incentives Amazon was seeking as another sticking point. Many viewed the request for over $100 million in tax breaks as excessive, particularly from a company valued at over $2.2 trillion.
State Senator Skoufis Calls Proposal “Despicable”
New York State Senator James Skoufis was among the most vocal opponents of the warehouse deal. He strongly criticized the proposed $102.6 million in tax breaks, calling them an “outright robbery” of local economic resources.
Skoufis also pushed back on Amazon’s job creation claims. While Amazon and its supporters touted 750 permanent jobs, the senator clarified that 675 of those would reportedly pay minimum wage—a figure he argued would add economic strain rather than alleviate it.
“This was a corporate giveaway disguised as economic development,” Skoufis said in a statement, calling Amazon’s approach “despicable.”
Labor Unions Backed the Plan
Despite the backlash, local union leadership supported Amazon’s plan, highlighting the short-term construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities the warehouse would provide. For communities still recovering economically post-pandemic, the project represented potential economic activity and stability.
However, critics noted that without guarantees of livable wages and benefits, the job numbers were misleading and could actually place a greater burden on public assistance programs and infrastructure.
What’s Next for Amazon in the Hudson Valley?
With multiple facilities already operating in Orange County and other parts of the Hudson Valley, Amazon’s expansion in New York is far from over. However, the setback in Wawayanda serves as a reminder that community voices and zoning regulations still matter—even when dealing with one of the world’s most powerful corporations.
For now, the warehouse will not be built, and local leaders are celebrating what they see as a win for accountability, transparency, and sustainable development.
As the conversation continues around balancing economic growth with community impact, the decision in Wawayanda could serve as a blueprint—or warning—for future mega-projects across the region.
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