Churchill Borough’s ongoing public hearing regarding a potential Amazon distribution center is likely to stretch several more days.

During the public hearing — which began Monday and continued Thursday evening — Texas-based Hillwood Development is outlining their proposal for an Amazon distribution center at the former site of the George Westinghouse Research Park in Churchill. Their plans include demolishing blighted buildings at the site and constructing a 2.6-million-square foot distribution and logistics facility for Amazon.

The proposal has drawn opposition from many residents, who have voiced concerns about environmental impacts, traffic and noise and light pollution.

Residents have also objected to the public hearing’s Zoom format, hosting multiple protests outside the borough building to request an in-person hearing. The first two days of the public hearing have been hosted via Zoom, and subsequent dates are also scheduled to be held through the online platform.

The first day of the public hearing revolved around traffic concerns.

During the second day of the hearing on Thursday, the borough council listened to another five hours of testimony regarding light and sound studies.

Ryan Parisi, an expert from Langan Engineering, detailed the light study on behalf of Hillwood. He said the development “met all of the borough requirements” in regard to light.

Ben Mueller of Ostergaard Acoustical Associates presented sound studies that demonstrated the noise impact of operations within the site, as well as the impact of trucks traveling from the site via Greensburg Pike. Mueller testified that the sound from the site would not have a detrimental effect on the neighboring community.

The public hearing will continue at 6 p.m. Monday.

A fourth meeting is anticipated, with a proposed date of Monday, Aug. 9, beginning at 8 p.m.

Air quality, stormwater and other subjects will be discussed at upcoming meetings. Future meetings will also include a presentation from the borough engineer and public comment.

The public hearing could last six days or more, Borough Manager Alex Graziani said.

After the hearing concludes, the borough council will have 45 days to render a decision on the conditional use application for the site.

The borough’s planning commission has recommended the proposal. Their recommendation is non-binding, but will be considered in the council’s decision, Solicitor Gavin Robb previously told the Tribune-Review.

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