Waterville, Sidney officials and residents quiz Amazon distribution center developers

The proposed distribution center would bring 150 to 200 jobs to the area, according to Amazon, but some worry the project would imperil existing jobs in the region.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:06am

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Developers and engineers for a proposed Amazon distribution center in Waterville and Sidney, Maine, outlined the environmental impacts and benefits of the project at a public information meeting. While some expressed support for the 159,000-square-foot facility that Amazon said will bring 150 to 200 jobs, others raised concerns about working conditions, noise, traffic, and the potential impact on existing jobs in the region.

Why it matters

The proposed Amazon distribution center is a significant development for the Waterville and Sidney communities, as it would bring a large number of new jobs to the area. However, some residents are concerned that the project could negatively impact existing jobs, particularly in industries like USPS, UPS, and Walmart, which may compete with Amazon's delivery services.

The details

The distribution center would be a 'last-mile' facility, meaning all packages will go directly from the center to peoples' homes. The 3.6-acre site would be located on the Waterville side of a 48-acre parcel, with the Sidney side used for delivery van parking and stormwater management. Approximately 2.4 acres of wetlands would be affected by the project, which would require mitigation. The site is zoned for industrial use and is located near Interstate 95, which developers say will help minimize traffic. Amazon has stated that it will not seek tax abatements for the facility, and the project is expected to increase tax revenue for Waterville and Sidney.

  • The public information meeting was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Developers plan to file the project application in the next couple of weeks.
  • If the project is approved, the developers estimate breaking ground in late fall.

The players

Camber Development

The development company handling the proposed Amazon distribution center project.

VHB

An engineering firm handling the permitting for the proposed Amazon distribution center.

Adam Cote

An attorney representing Amazon on the project.

Brandon Nelson

A senior vice president at Camber Development.

Scott Beale

A Waterville city councilor who expressed concerns about the project's impact on existing jobs.

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What they’re saying

“We currently have people that work at USPS, people that work at UPS, people that work at Walmart, and these are the direct organizations you're going to be competing against. What happens if those people lose their jobs ... those jobs are union jobs, how do they compare to Amazon jobs?”

— Scott Beale, Waterville City Councilor

“I want answers first. I want a wholistic sense of the net impact of the project.”

— Tim Stonesifer, Resident

“I'm pleased to hear Amazon would be working with local vendors, and I thank the representatives for choosing Waterville and Sidney.”

— Kimberly Lindlof, President and CEO, Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce

What’s next

The project application will be made public at Waterville City Hall and Sidney Town Office when it's filed, and residents can weigh in on the Department of Transportation process by requesting to attend their meetings. If the project is approved, the developers estimate breaking ground in late fall.

The takeaway

The proposed Amazon distribution center has sparked a mix of enthusiasm and concern within the Waterville and Sidney communities. While the project would bring new jobs to the area, some residents are worried about its potential impact on existing jobs and industries. As the application process moves forward, local officials and residents will continue to scrutinize the project's details and long-term implications for the region.