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Oak Creek Common Council approves Amazon Fulfillment Center
Oak Creek Common Council approves Amazon Fulfillment Center
OAK CREEK -- City leaders called it a “prime” day, as the Oak Creek Common Council on Tuesday night, Nov. 20 approved a plan to bring the second Amazon Fulfillment Center in the state to the city.
It was a near unanimous vote, with only one council member voting "no." The mayor called it a huge day for Oak Creek.
The four-story fulfillment center would be located near 13th and Ryan Road in Oak Creek. If all goes according to plan, the facility could bring 1,500 jobs to the area.
During their meeting Tuesday, the council approved the establishment of a "tax incremental finance district" or "TIF" to help pay for infrastructure projects that may come about because of the project.
First, they discussed the deal in a closed-door session.
Amazon Fulfillment Center
It will cost up to $13 million dollars in infrastructure improvements and nearly $3 million in loans. City leaders stressed that money will not come from citizens, but rather from money generated by the "TIF."
The 80-acre site has drawn some criticism from people living nearby. Many said they're concerned about property values, and even more so, traffic issues. One man, who lives just two blocks away, said he anticipates a truck traveling to and from the facility every four minutes.
He said he isn’t opposed to the project, but wishes Oak Creek would release a traffic study before bringing Amazon to the city.
Amazon could complete construction by the year 2020.
A company spokesman said the 1,500 jobs will be full-time with benefits, paying a minimum of$15 per hour plus benefits.
Below is a statement from an Amazon spokeswoman: