Amazon Mega-Hub Deal At Newark Airport Still Seeing Pushback

NEWARK, NJ — The plan to build a new Amazon air cargo mega-hub at Newark Liberty International Airport seems to be a good deal for the retail giant and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The people who live in the neighborhoods nearby, on the other hand? Probably not so much, a coalition of activists is alleging.

The Port Authority, which runs the airport, first announced plans to launch a 20-year-lease with Amazon Global Air in August 2021. Terms of the agreement include:

"Amazon is expected to transform two existing structures, Buildings 339 and 340, into a new state-of-the-art air cargo campus with a targeted investment of $125 million for renovation. No Port Authority capital funding will be required in support of this transaction. The lease, which remains subject to final negotiation and is expected to take effect later this year, will provide the Port Authority a lump sum upfront payment of $150 million and another $157 million in additional rent over the life of the 20-year agreement, which covers about 250,000 square feet of cargo space on 23 acres at Newark Liberty."

The deal was praised by several officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy, who said it's expected to lead to the creation of more than 1,000 jobs and provide "significant opportunities" for minority- and women-owned business enterprises.

The project has seen continued pushback from some Newark residents and area activists, however, who have complained about a lack of transparency and potential impacts to traffic and the environment.

On Thursday, dozens of people gathered in New York City outside the Port Authority board of commissioners meeting to protest the mega-hub at Newark Airport. Advocates delivered a petition with thousands of signatures opposed to the deal.

“Since last September, our communities have been asking the Port Authority for more transparency and a greater say in their deal with Amazon,” said Sara Cullinane, director of Make The Road New Jersey.

“The truth is, neither Amazon nor the Port Authority will have to bear the negative consequences of the deal: but our communities will have to suffer from poor working conditions, greater road traffic, and worse air pollution if this air hub is built,” Cullinane alleged.

Advocates said they have the following demands:

• “The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey must stop the secret deal with Amazon”
• “The Port Authority must engage local communities and ensure that Amazon respects workers' rights, including their right to organize in the workplace and have a health and safety committee comprised of majority workers”
• “The Port Authority must commission an environmental impact study and mandate enforceable benchmarks for zero emissions at the Air Hub and transportation of goods; investment in our infrastructure, roads and communities to offset the impact of the Air Hub on our roads and communities”

Amy Goldsmith, New Jersey state director of Clean Water Action, said the group stands in solidarity with labor and community partners.

“Let’s be honest … If Amazon were offering such a great deal, why are they refusing to meet in a public forum?” Goldsmith questioned. “The Port Authority of NY & NJ board must take off its own earmuffs and listen clearly to the thousands of local residents who say ‘no’ to Amazon’s proposed air cargo hub, especially if it means bad jobs, dirty air and adverse impacts in local neighborhoods.”

• See related article: Protesters Bash Amazon's Plan To Bring Mega-Hub To Newark Airport
• See related article: Newark Airport, Amazon Move Forward With Major Deal In NJ

Reached for comment about Thursday’s rally, an Amazon spokesperson offered Patch the following statement:

“As a company we’re always looking to invest in communities and recruit talented people to join our team. While the lease at the Newark International Airport remains subject to final negotiation, I can say we’re proud of the investments we've made so far in New Jersey and look forward to continued engagement in the state.”

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