The proposal to build an Amazon distribution center in Churchill should not move forward. The developer has failed to submit a valid traffic study to Churchill Borough Council.

The traffic study submitted by the developer should not be accepted by the council, as it did not consider:

• The impact of traffic generated by the facility on Interstate 376 and the impact of Interstate 376 congestion on borough roads after the facility is built; or

• Several intersections close to the site that will be impacted.

The traffic study is based on the developer’s estimate of the number of semi trucks. Residents have researched this estimate and believe it is much lower than what will actually occur. Also, the study should be based on data from existing Amazon facilities, not “guesstimates.”

Other studies are based on data from the traffic study, namely the developer’s sound and air quality studies. Because those studies used flawed data in the traffic study, they are also invalid and should not be accepted by the Churchill council.

Many people who do not live in Churchill will be impacted by traffic congestion the facility will cause. They have not been included in the public hearings on this proposal. These people should be allowed to participate in the public hearings.

The borough council, Allegheny County Council and PennDOT should have held public meetings with borough residents and others from surrounding areas. Officials should have explained the project, sought input and answered questions.

The borough council must deny the developer’s application for a conditional use permit.

Cathy Bordner

Churchill

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