Amazon's Drone Delivery Program Hits Turbulence in Westborough

Amazon's drone delivery program has hit turbulence in Westborough, Massachusetts, after public opposition came to a head at a town Select Board meeting. The company had planned for its drones to take flight by October 31st, but now faces a zoning determination challenge from several residents. Amazon Prime Air would have allowed drones to make autonomous package deliveries within a 7½-mile radius that includes parts of Westborough and surrounding towns.

Residents have expressed concerns about noise and overflight, with some citing the potential for chaos in an already noisy society. A resident-led survey has gathered over 1,200 responses, with 92% opposing the program and 94% saying they wouldn't use it. Amazon has been seeking town approval to anchor Prime Air at its fulfillment center on Otis Street.

Amazon claims the program is 'rapidly expanding' and aims to operate in 500 sites by the end of the year. However, this effort faces challenges not only in Westborough but also in other communities where drone deliveries have been met with resistance. In Richardson, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, residents organized against Amazon due to noise and overflight complaints.