Amazon warehouse in Johnston hopes to open by the end of the year. What to know.
JOHNSTON − The Amazon mega-warehouse at the top of the hill in Johnston could open by the end of the year.
Amazon Spokesman Steve Kelly wrote in an email that the "goal" is to have the warehouse "up and running later this year."
Amazon has also started posting jobs for positions at the warehouse.
Amazon warehouse opening behind original schedule
The warehouse is behind schedule, which led the company to ask the Johnston Town Council to revise its tax stabilization agreement to reduce the tax payments because the building isn't operating yet.
The Johnston Sunrise reported that, while the town really wanted to give the warehouse a certificate of occupancy, it just wasn't done yet. A clause in the origional tax stabilization agreement allowed Amazon to reduce its tax bill on a pro-rated basis if it didn't get that certificate by Jan. 1, 2024.
Tax stabilization agreement: Amazon begins posting jobs for Johnston warehouse. Here's where the project stands.
The distribution center at 2120 Hartford Ave. has been in the works since 2021.
What will happen at the Amazon warehouse?
The distribution facility will handle large volumes of merchandise, receiving, sorting and sending to "last mile" facilities near customers' homes. In 2021, the developers hoped to begin construction and complete the project in April 2023.
When the facility was proposed, residents raised questions about the intersection of Harford Avenue and Interstate 295, but Mayor Joseph Polisena and director of the state Department of Transportation, Peter Alviti Jr., said construction on Hartford Avenue will greatly improve safety.
What's the building near the distribution center?
Encompass Health, a publicly traded company based in Alabama, is building a rehabilitation hospital at 2109 Hartford Ave. According to the Encompass Health website, the slated opening date is this summer.
We found out: What's the construction near the new Amazon Distribution Center in Johnston?
The facility will have 50 inpatient beds and treat patients with conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and amputations. They will also offer physical, occupational and speech therapies.
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Reporters Mark Reynolds and Katie Landeck contributed to this story. Reach reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite at wcowperthwaite@providencejournal.com or follow him on Twitter @WheelerReporter.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Amazon warehouse center in Johnston hopes to open by end of 2024
