Panel Rejects $607M Amazon Project, Citing Zoning Height Nonconformity
WAWAYANDA, NY—Despite near-unanimous support of the region’s Building Trades and widespread endorsement of local business leaders, the massive $607-million Amazon Project now appears in peril in Orange County. The plan to develop an Amazon robotic fulfillment center off Route 6 in Slate Hill was dealt a major blow on June 12 when the Town of Wawayanda’s Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to reject the request for a needed height variance.
The project proposed by a partnership with Scannell Properties of Indianapolis, IN and Amazon Services, LLC, is among the largest ever private investment projects in Orange County. The plan calls for the construction of a five-story, 3.2-million-s/f Amazon robotic fulfillment and distribution center in Slate Hill. The setback to the project last week will likely require new reviews by the Wawayanda Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Orange County Industrial Development Agency.
At press time, the odds appear long that the project will move forward. Several sources say the Amazon project is evaluating the local situation and options are being explored. “We appreciate the concern from town officials,” Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly said, “and are evaluating our options and potential next steps.”
It is not known if the project can or will move forward at the site. Scannell Properties, the property owner, had no comment on the ZBA’s denial vote. Proponents of the project have included some area politicians, business and building trades organizations that cited the tremendous economic impact it would have on the area. Opponents have included some area politicians, as well as neighborhood organizations, who cited traffic and environmental concerns as well as opposition to incentives to the e-commerce giant.
The Wawayanda Planning Board met on Jan. 11 and issued a negative declaration on environmental impact, which was critical for the project to move forward. On June 10, the Orange County Industrial Development Agency held a public hearing on proposed incentives the project could receive. It was on June 12 that the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously (4-0) rejected the application for a height variance on the project. Mid Hudson News first reported the ZBA’s denial of the height variance.
—By John Jordan
Published: June 18, 2025.