Madison Reporter

As Amazon looks forward to adding a large warehouse to Dane County, many members of the community have expressed concerns over the impact of the development. 

A Feb. 6 report by WMTV states the 130 acre parcel of land was sold to Amazon by Cottage Grove Business Development LLC, and is located at the intersection of Highway N and TT in Cottage Grove. The developer maintains the 650,000-square-foot distribution facility will bring up to 1,500 new jobs to the area, and invest millions into Cotton Grove. However, residents fear the environmental impacts may outweigh the economic benefits. 

“For us to see this facility to come up was quite a shock. A 650,000-square-foot monstrosity, a building that is 100 feet tall was really surprising and terrifying for our residents,” resident Jeff Okazaki told WMTV. 

Residents also told WMTV that Amazon has left members of the community out of important conversations on key issues surrounding the facility. Among other worries, residents have reportedly expressed concern the warehouse, which is to be outfitted with 60 new loading docks and an estimated 1,700 parking stalls, would significantly increase traffic in the area.

The report states another round of approvals will be required for the project to move forward, with the first taking place at the Feb. 16 planning commission meeting. If approved, it would then be considered at the Feb. 21 village board meeting.