VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Amazon will build two operations facilities in Virginia Beach, an investment expected to bring more than 1,000 new jobs to the city, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday.
The e-commerce company will expand its presence in Hampton Roads, with the construction of a massive multi-story robotics fulfillment center near Dam Neck and Harper's Roads. It is supposed to be the size of 55 football fields, Gov. Youngkin told the crowd.
"Amazon employees working alongside the advanced technology in our robots," said Lindsay Winter, head of Virginia public policy for Amazon. "They're complementary, they're not meant to replace, and what you find is a better work balance for our employees."
Near the site, developers plan to build a "last mile" delivery station.
"I feel like progress can't be stopped. You're going to have to make room for new businesses," said longtime Virginia Beach resident Deborah Thompson. "If I was given the option to vote, I would vote for that over some other things we have that I don't prefer."
The new robotics fulfillment center is anticipated to start operating in 2025, while the delivery station is anticipated to launch in 2024 in time for the holiday season.
For customers in the area, an Amazon representative told 13News Now this all means their packages could get to their door quicker.
"I've been ordering packages most of my life, so this is going to be really good," said 11-year-old Matthew Reed, who lives in Virginia Beach.
City leaders had advocated for the arrival of this project, back when the public only knew it by code names "Beach" and "Door."
"We are the ideal location for Amazon operation facilities due to our strategic location to the Port of Virginia, accessibility and an available workforce," Mayor Bobby Dyer said.
During the August 15 city council meeting, Virginia Beach city council members approved funding $22.5 million dollars for infrastructure improvements.
"This project will result in the construction of a new road, a new road between Dam Neck Road and London Bridge Road," Youngkin said.
A neighbor who lives close to the land told 13News Now off-camera many homeowners worry about lights, noise and traffic impacts.
Winter with Amazon said the goal is to have as little disruption to surrounding communities as possible. "We want to be a good neighbor," she said.
Amazon reps said the 1,000-plus new jobs are full-time positions with industry-leading pay and comprehensive benefits. They plan to start hiring shortly before each facility opens.