Letter to the editor: Reason to be concerned about Amazon in Churchill

Letter-writer Eric Grotzinger believes that we all should “trust the process and the professionals” (“On Amazon in Churchill, trust the process, professionals,” Aug. 4, TribLIVE). I actually trust neither. The professionals and expert witnesses (traffic engineer, air quality expert, etc.) are not independent contractors but bought and paid for by Amazon’s Texas-based developers, Hillwood. Trusting their professionals is like trusting the fox to guard the henhouse.

Regarding Grotzinger’s assertion that Churchill’s annual tax revenue will increase by millions: Keep in mind that Amazon is skilled at avoiding federal and corporate taxes. Expect it to seek similar schemes locally.

The impact of Amazon will be increased costs to the borough (road maintenance, emergencies, etc.) when 18-wheelers are traversing neighborhood roads every couple of minutes, day and night. While there will be jobs, Amazon is automating much of its workforce, replacing humans with robots.

While Grotzinger lives a little over a mile from the site, there are over 400 homes, including mine, within 1,000 feet of the site. Of further concern are Woodland Hills High School and the Pace School for Exceptional Children, also within 1,000 feet. I certainly don’t trust the professionals who say that those students will not be affected by the diesel emissions of nonstop tractor-trailer trips.

Let’s recall the proposed Walmart in Kilbuck Township that was approved by professional engineers. Kilbuck residents were very clear that they didn’t want it, with good reason. Trusting that process resulted in massive landslides, shutting down Route 65, and Walmart in full retreat.

At this point, I’ll stick to trusting my own God-given common sense.

Kate Carrigan Hill

Churchill