During a 90-minute public comment period Dec. 8, dozens of Eugene residents urged the City Council to pause or block the proposed Amazon distribution center, asking for additional environmental and traffic review and more public engagement.

Speakers raised a range of concerns: Deborah McGee and others questioned how the distribution center aligns with the Climate Recovery Ordinance’s goal to reduce citywide fossil-fuel emissions 50% by 2030 and asked whether staff have quantified the project’s emissions effects. Postal workers and advocates argued the facility would shift package volume away from the U.S. Postal Service, potentially eliminating unionized delivery jobs and worsening working conditions, while other speakers cited increased vehicle trips on the Beltline and Highway 99 that would worsen local air and road wear.

Several residents requested that the planning department re-open public comment and that the council direct staff to assess the Local Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) findings and traffic impacts before approval. Some public commenters urged the council to reverse or pause prior approvals and to pursue greater neighborhood notification for large industrial projects.

Why it matters: The proposed facility touches on climate targets, transportation networks and local labor markets. Residents argue the project is inconsistent with neighborhood plans (Clear Lake overlay) and could impose air-quality and traffic burdens on nearby schools and homes.

What council/staff said: Councilors and staff acknowledged public concern; the council did not take a final vote to block the project during this meeting. Several speakers asked councilors to state their positions publicly and to direct additional review. Planning and permitting remain subject to technical review and LRAPA oversight for air-quality matters.

Direct quote from a speaker: "Keep Amazon out of Eugene," said Mark Siemens. Other speakers said the city should enforce its Climate Recovery Ordinance and consider additional traffic and environmental impact studies before proceeding.