Worcester To Examine Traffic Near New Amazon Warehouse

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester will examine traffic impacts related to a new Amazon delivery station set to open near the airport.

Residents in the Tatnuck neighborhood asked At-Large Councilor Gary Rosen to raise the issue, assuming the warehouse will increase traffic. The Council voted to order the City Manager to study traffic burdens.

In mid-December, Amazon announced it would take over a 177,000 square-foot Goddard Memorial Drive warehouse, which was previously owned by electronics distributor TE Connectivity, and was purchased in October for $7.2 million by Burlington-based Goddard Memorial Drive Owner LLC. Amazon says the facility will employ hundreds of people.

Delivery stations serve as a pickup point for van drivers who deliver Amazon packages to homes. Nearby in Milford, a delivery station in an industrial area has caused major traffic problems, which may require major infrastructure upgrades.

Under questioning from Councilors, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said Tuesday night he wasn't aware of any recent traffic studies in the Tatnuck area. He highlighted Amazon is taking over an empty warehouse, and will use it consistent with zoning in the area.

On top of taking a look at traffic, At-Large Councilor Donna Colorio requested the city hold a public meeting with Tatnuck residents to review the new delivery station.

On the other side of the city, Amazon is working on a plan to build a 121,000 square-foot distribution center on the site where the mostly vacant Greendale Mall stands. A traffic study linked to that facility indicates about 1,200 daily trips to the warehouse, less than if there was a fully occupied mall on the site.