WATERVILLE — An Amazon distribution center planned for central Maine got the first of two local approvals this week, with another vote set for Monday.
Camber Development is applying for permits to build a 159,000 square foot building on about 50 acres on Junction Road near Trafton Road. Most of the parcel is in Waterville, but part of the parking lot is in Sidney.
The site is near I-95 and company officials say it’s part of Amazon’s efforts to provide faster delivery for Maine residents. It’s one of a handful of proposed or current sites across the state, including Calais, Hermon and Gorham.
On Tuesday, the Waterville Planning Board voted to approve the project. It now heads to the Sidney Planning Board on Monday for consideration.
“We appreciate Waterville’s decision to approve our proposal for a new delivery station in the area,” Austin Stowe, a spokesman for Amazon, said in an email. “As we move forward, we’ll continue working closely with Waterville and Sidney officials to bring faster delivery and great service to local customers.”
Developers say the new location will add 150-200 jobs and generate about 1,000 trips per day. The “last mile” center will accept deliveries from tractor-trailers coming off I-95 and then allow vans to pick up items for delivery.
During the Tuesday meeting, local business groups and a former Democratic state lawmaker urged the board to approve the project, saying the site has been earmarked for industrial development for decades.
Waterville resident Paul Ureneck called the project “a no brainer,” saying he hears from many people who complain about the lack of new industry in the area and high property taxes.
“I’m telling you the city is getting a big package here with a big ribbon on it and it would be, I can’t even imagine why anybody would vote against this,” he said.
At a public meeting in March, several people asked questions about increased traffic, noise, pollution and whether there would be any impact on local businesses.
The Sidney Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the grange hall next to the town office to consider the Amazon request.