Amazon Backs Out Of 4M SF Facility, Says It’s ‘No Longer Exploring’ Business In Prince George’s County
Amazon has scrapped its plans for a 4M SF industrial facility in the D.C. suburbs.
Amazon spokesperson Rachael Lighty confirmed to Bisnow the company had introductory meetings and worked with local officials on a preliminary process, but ultimately decided not to pursue the Westphalia project. She also said it isn't looking at any additional locations in the county.
"Amazon is a dynamic business and we are constantly exploring new locations and weighing a variety of factors when decided where to develop future sites to best serve our customers," Lighty wrote in an emailed statement. "As such, we are no longer exploring opportunities for growth in Prince George's County."
Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks declined to name Amazon in a statement she released Friday, but said she was open to working with the tech giant for future projects.
"Earlier today I was informed by the company that planned to build a fulfillment center at the Westphalia Town Center that they would no longer be pursuing that site," Alsobrooks said in a statement. "It is our intention to work with the company to identify more suitable locations in the county where they may be able to bring their products."
Lighty said the company has over 7,000 employees across Maryland, including its Tradepoint Atlantic fulfillment center in Baltimore County. She said it plans to continue investing in the state for years to come.
The Prince George's County Planning board last month approved the plans for a five-story, 4M SF industrial facility at Westphalia, which sits less than 8 miles from the D.C. border and about 2 miles from the Capital Beltway. Walton Development is the master developer for the project and Duke Realty had planned to build the fulfillment center. The plans moved forward despite vocal community opposition.
Nearby residents who bought houses in the neighborhood in anticipation of the retail amenities promised at the Westphalia Town Center development attended two hearings on the fulfillment center plans and spoke out against the industrial project. The proposed 79-acre Amazon facility would not have prevented retail development on other parts of the 500-acre site. Alsobrooks responded to those community concerns in her statement.
"To those who purchased homes at Westphalia and were promised certain things, I want you to know that my administration will work with the developer to help bring the retail, dining and other amenities you were promised," Alsobrooks said. "Prince George's County is open for business and we will continue working to attract quality businesses to the county that add value to our economy and provide amenities to our citizens."
