Westborough residents push back against Amazon’s drone delivery plans: ‘We don’t want this’
WESTBOROUGH, Mass. —
A community meeting was held in Westborough, Massachusetts, on Thursday night for residents to give their input about Amazon’s proposal to launch drone deliveries to the town and surrounding communities.
Before the meeting even got started, there were people rallying outside in opposition.
“I am an Amazon Prime customer and I’m not a fan of drones,” said Jenna, a town resident.
Amazon wants to launch Prime Air out of its Westborough distribution center.
The online retailer said it wants to use five-foot-by-five-foot drones to deliver five-pound packages within a seven-and-a-half-mile radius.
“The stakes are too high and unanswered questions are too many,” said one concerned resident.
Hearst OwnedAnnabel Lee-Ellis – PA Images
Neighbor after neighbor explained to the Westborough Select Board why they don’t want drone deliveries, including concerns about safety, the environment, property values, and noise.
“A person with malicious intent could potentially use the drone to threaten or harm, interfere with emergency operations or conduct unauthorized surveillance or damage property,” said Faina Kofman, a Westborough resident.
The select board wants to review its laws about drones, look at noise ordinances, and talk with state lawmakers about keeping the drones out of their quiet town.
“The simple answer to all these questions is no, we don’t want this,” said James Bedar, a resident.
NewsCenter 5 reached out to Amazon about comments made at the Westborough town meeting, but has not heard back.
Earlier this week, the online retail giant said it’s looking forward to working with the community and local leaders when it comes to rolling out Prime Air.
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