Amazon pulls Westboro drone delivery application

Amazon withdrew its application for autonomous drone delivery in Westboro, Massachusetts, on Friday. The company sent a letter to the Town of Westboro Planning Board requesting the withdrawal without prejudice. This move follows a special town meeting in October where residents voted 510-13 to implement local rules for commercial drone operations.

The proposed Prime Air system would have used drones measuring five feet by five feet to deliver packages to customer properties. The service promised deliveries within one hour of order placement. Amazon cited convenience, reduced road traffic, and the creation of skilled jobs as key benefits of the project.

Lindsay Hamilton, an Amazon spokesperson, stated on Sunday that the company intends to resubmit a revised project. Hamilton noted that Prime Air generates minimal short-lived sound, comparable to a passing car. She said the company looks forward to continuing community engagement and working with state and local lawmakers to secure approval.

The conflict centers on the company's current facility on Otis Street. Opponents argue that Amazon should not use this specific location to launch its drones. The Federal Aviation Administration has already approved drone deliveries in the airspace. However, Westboro residents are seeking to regulate the ground-level operations of these commercial vehicles.

The zoning issue is scheduled for discussion at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Monday. The board will address the local regulatory framework established by the recent town vote. Amazon's revised plan will need to navigate these new local requirements before it can proceed with deployment in the town.