The $607-million project is believed to be one of the largest private industrial development investments ever built, and the largest in terms of scope, in Orange County. The facility is expected to be the second largest Amazon fulfillment center in New York State, surpassing those in New York City.

The term of the PILOT is normally 20 years. IDA officials stated that the 15-year PILOT reduced the amount of tax incentives offered. In addition, the IDA also secured $1.5 million in cash payments for the Town of Wawayanda and up to $1 million to fund the construction of a new ambulance bay as part of the negotiations. According to IDA documents, Amazon will save $80,208,325 based on the 15-year PILOT agreement. The online behemoth will be required to pay $56,854,801 to the various jurisdictions under the PILOT.

“The agreement is a testament to OCIDA’s commitment to projects that prioritize Orange County communities and reflects Amazon’s investment in the quality of life for residents of the town and the surrounding area,” the Orange County Industrial Development Agency stated in a press announcement.

The new five-story fulfillment center is also anticipated to generate a considerable amount of tax revenue for Minisink schools, totaling more than $40 million during the 15-year PILOT term. The property currently generates around $165,000 in total property taxes annually. After the PILOT expires, the Town Assessor estimates local schools will continue to receive approximately $8.29 million in tax revenue annually. The new fulfilment center is projected to generate an average sales tax revenue of $238,378 each year.

The project will create 750 full-time jobs within three years of completion and up to 2,400 local construction jobs according to a third-party economic impact study. Under the OCIDA’s local labor policy, 85% of the construction jobs are required to be filled by men and women from the eight counties: Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Dutchess, Rockland, Putnam, Westchester and Delaware. The project was supported by the powerful Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council.

Attorney and Democratic candidate for Orange County Executive Michael H. Sussman, Esq., announced on Oct. 14 that he had filed an Article 78 proceeding challenging the Wawayanda Planning Board’s negative declaration in June. The suit states that the Planning Board’s actions violated the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. The litigation was filed on behalf of neighbor Diane O’Neill and the Save Wawayanda Inc. and Protect Orange County organizations. Mid Hudson News reports that Mr. Sussman expects to file additional litigation to block the Amazon project from going forward.

By John Jordan