In 2021 and 2022, Churchill faced a proposal to build a 2.9-million-square-foot Amazon distribution center at the former George Westinghouse R&D site. During planning commission meetings and public hearings, we learned of the historic significance of the site, which is potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, based on its architecture and significance to industry. Fortunately, the Amazon proposal has been withdrawn.
On Feb. 1 from 5-7 p.m., there will be a free webinar to highlight the importance of the site. There will also be a discussion about the revitalization of the New Jersey Bell Labs site, which provides an approach that could be utilized to redevelop the Westinghouse site.
Two of the presenters, Brittany Reilly, founder of the Pittsburgh Modern Committee, and Bill Callahan, with the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, were instrumental in helping Churchill residents understand the incredible significance of the site (see “You can be sure … if it’s Westinghouse”). To preregister for the webinar (required), visit www.eventbrite.com/e/centers-of-innovation-bell-labs-holmdel-and-westinghouse-rd-center-tickets-472740659037.
And thank you to the TribLive reporters and editors who provided thorough, unbiased reporting on the Churchill Amazon story.
Cathy Bordner
Churchill
The writer is a member of Churchill Future.