GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB)The much-anticipated project that could bring a massive Amazon warehouse to Grand Island experienced a see-saw this week when the developer pressed pause on the deal.<\/p>\n
Opponents breathed a sigh of relief, while supporters scrambled. That changed again as the week wore on.<\/p>\n
But it was a day earlier this week that looked to potentially sink a project that could change the physical and financial face of Grand Island.<\/p>\n
News 4 broke the story about the idea that could bring whats now known as Project Olive to this plot of land off Long Road near the Holiday Inn Express.<\/p>\n
After what town and other local officials describe as a problematic meeting of the towns planning board, when an attempt was made to vote in opposition to a zone change on the land, the developer pulled back and informed board members the project was on hold.<\/p>\n
Town officials, including Grand Island Chamber of Commerce President Eric Fiebelkorn, were relieved to learn it was still moving forward.<\/p>\n
We see it really as a once in a lifetime opportunity financially, and something thats going to take some time to work out. This is how deals get done. Nothing gets done in a day, Fiebelkorn said.<\/p>\n
The plan calls for a 3.8 million square foot building that would eventually house 1,000 employees for another Amazon distribution hub.<\/p>\n
Those are big numbers for the aging infrastructure of Grand Island, particularly the bridges on the north and south ends. But there are other big numbers to consider, Fiebelkorn says.<\/p>\n
With a conservative assessment potentially on the building, its going to give the local share 35 million dollars, 25 million of that to the schools, over a 15 year period, he added.<\/p>\n
Former Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray told voters this week Project Olive offers both risk and reward.<\/p>\n
And though he says Amazons labor relations and the potential environmental impact should be examined more closely, hes hopeful the town board comes to a supportive conclusion. And that union workers are used to build what could be a five-story center, to decades of future development.<\/p>\n
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Plan to put Amazon warehouse on Grand Island back on after town supervisor said project was on pause - WIVB.com - News 4<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB)The much-anticipated project that could bring a massive Amazon warehouse to Grand Island experienced a see-saw this week when the developer pressed pause on the deal. Opponents breathed a sigh of relief, while supporters scrambled Continue reading