Manchester is the latest St. Louis County municipality to consider allowing a commercial drone delivery hub out of its local Walmart.
Wing, an Alphabet-owned drone operator, pitched the service to the Board of Aldermen on Monday night. The company says its automated, electric drones can deliver small items, weighing up to 2.5 pounds, within a six-mile radius in under five minutes. The drones do not land; they hover over a driveway or lawn and lower packages on a tether.
Resident Carrie Colombo told the board they need to look at how neighboring cities are reacting to the pitch.
"I'm surprised nobody has asked is why are other communities saying no," Colombo said. "Two weeks ago, Kirkwood has said no to this program. Maplewood has had lots of public opposition to it, and other cities and municipalities across the country."
The Board of Aldermen did not take a formal vote Monday. City officials emphasize they are still in the evaluation phase.
"I never thought I’d see a rotisserie chicken fly," Manchester Mayor Benjamin Toben remarked after aldermen posed their own questions.
Residents can question Wing representatives themselves during a public open house this Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. at Manchester City Hall.
