Community should rally around potential Amazon project in Medina

Editor:

The Medina Business Park is reportedly under consideration for an Amazon distribution center. This would be a $300 million project set to create 1,000 permanent jobs and approximately 300 initial construction jobs, according to news reports.

I commend our local leaders for actively pursuing the project and doing their best to appeal to Amazon. At a time when our local economy is so fragile (as a result of Gov. Cuomo’s overreach by mandating COVID lockdowns), a large-scale project that creates a total of approximately 1,300 jobs could be a key component in revitalizing our local economy.

According to glassdoor.com, Amazon Fulfillment Associates earn an average of $32,000 per year, plus profit sharing, cash bonuses and benefits. This salary level is more than many local employers provide for entry-level jobs.

This project would provide many local residents an opportunity to earn more than they currently do. An increase in pay for so many residents would increase their disposable income, leading to more money being pumped into the local economy by consumers, boosting sales tax revenue and as a result, keeping property taxes down. In addition, as Legislature Chairman Johnson stated, Orleans County is Pro-Business, in close proximity to many urban areas and the thruway. This project could be mutually beneficial for both Amazon and Orleans County.

This is a project I hope local residents and taxpayers show support for and understand the positive economic impact it would have. Again, I commend our local elected county leaders, village leaders and the Orleans County Economic Development Agency for pursuing this project and appealing to Amazon.

Sincerely,

James C. White

Village of Medina