Amazon wants to build a $607 million warehouse in the Town of Wawayanda in Orange County, and they’re seeking hefty tax incentives to construct it. 

After more than a year of back-and-forth negotiations with Orange County’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA) along with local and state officials, Amazon has requested a $70 million real property tax abatement through a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) over ten years.

The global e-commerce company also requested sales tax exemptions of $31 million for facility construction, furnishing, and equipment expenditures from the local IDA.

At Orange County IDA’s public hearing on Sept. 10, some residents said the project would bring hundreds of needed construction and union jobs, while others said it would negatively affect the region’s environment and public health infrastructure.

Drew Patterson was one of several dozen residents who urged that Amazon doesn’t need any tax breaks.

“This request is a slap in the face to all the residents and taxpayers of Orange County who pay their taxes that keep going up. Who do[es Amazon] think they are? Is this a self-created hardship? What about the residents on a fixed income who are struggling to pay their taxes and put food on their tables?” said Patterson.

But Matthew Stoddard, business manager of local construction union Iron Workers Local 417, said the 3.2 million-square-foot proposed warehouse could give Orange County workers an essential economic boost. 

“This project will create two million construction man-hours for local workers for the Hudson Valley build trade workers that we represent. After this ten-year pilot is done, [Amazon] will be paying full taxes,” said Stoddard. 

The request comes after several requests from Amazon to the Orange County IDA. Amazon had originally requested a 20-year, $102 million PILOT in 2025. After significant public pressure and IDA’s state monitor Brian Sanvidge rejected the deal, Amazon shortened the number of years the PILOT request would apply to 15 years. That proposal was again rejected by Sanvidge. 

Now, the new PILOT request in front of Orange County’s IDA is more than $30 million less than what Amazon had first proposed more than a year ago.

Amazon spokesperson Austin Stowe told Radio Catskill that the company designed the PILOT agreement so Amazon can only receive benefits when it delivers on its commitments. 

“The agreement would also ensure local construction companies are sourced for the project – similar to our partnerships with building trades on projects in Syracuse, Rochester, and Niagara – meaning the community starts benefiting well before the facility opens its doors,” said Stowe.

If built, it’d be Amazon’s second warehouse in Orange County. Amazon opened a fulfillment warehouse in Montgomery in 2021, where some workers have alleged dangerous labor conditions.

New York Senator James Skoufis, one of the most critical lawmakers of the proposal, praised the latest PILOT request from Amazon.

“The end result is a major improvement, extracting $30+ million in additional payments from Amazon to our community from what they tried to get away with – and they will pay full property taxes 10 years sooner than Amazon initially sought. This is more money to our school district, local infrastructure, and law enforcement – funding that local taxpayers would’ve had to make up if not for our relentless efforts.”

Bill Fioravanti, CEO of the Orange County IDA, said the agency is eager to move the project ahead.

“Everyone’s asking the same thing – do[es Amazon] need these incentives? Of course they do not. They do not need it,” said Fioravanti. “But the question – and this is all tied to IDA law – and what matters is will they proceed with the project without the benefits? And Amazon is adamant that they will not do that.”

Fioravanti told Radio Catskill that he doesn’t anticipate another veto from the state monitor. “I don’t expect any further problems. Once we get to the point if and when the board votes and approves [the PILOT], I think you’ll see this project finally move forward.”

But Pramilla Malick, an organizer with local environmental group Protect Orange County, remains wary of the project and the IDA process. 

Protect Orange County has garnered more than 1,200 signatures to oppose Amazon’s proposal. She says the warehouse has long-term environmental impacts, such as noise and truck pollution, that could change the fabric of the region. 

“It really smells like a backdoor deal has been made, but we are steadfast in our opposition because when it comes to matters of health and safety, life and death, air and water, you can’t negotiate that away,” said Malick.

Orange County IDA is accepting public comments on the proposal until Thursday, Sept. 17.