While other businesses and industries have taken a hit during the pandemic, Amazon continues to thrive, and is now planning for a new branch of its empire to open in San Francisco.
Next week, the retail giant will officially submit a proposal to open a warehouse and shipping center, the largest owned by the company in the city, according to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle.
A preliminary question and answer meeting was held Monday, where the plans for the new facility at 900 7th St. in Mission Bay were unveiled to locals. The center would be a major package hub, attracting as many as 200 delivery vans every day.
But at the meeting, it was emphasized that the vehicles would only operate during standard commute times, with the company also staggering the comings and goings.
"This does not conflict with local traffic patterns in the community," Stephen Maduli-Williams, an Amazon economic development policy manager, said at the meeting, according to the paper. The site was formerly Recology-owned property, purchased last year for $202 million. The new facility will be three stories, and could employ up to 500 people.
When Amazon submits the plan on Nov. 15, a lengthy process will be set in motion, requiring various city checks and up to a year-long environmental impact study.
Once approved, it could take up to two years to finish construction on the facility.
The proposal ignores previous plans that included a need for more affordable housing. While the company has not stated any intentions to help with the lack of housing in the area, representatives said they were open to suggestions in the meeting.
"It's certainly something we’re interested in...hearing what our community partners have to say about how best to do that," Maduli-Williams told the paper.
The plans are not yet set in stone.
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