Westborough Voters Approve Bylaw Aimed at Amazon Drone Deliveries, 510-13

Westborough residents voted overwhelmingly Monday night to adopt a bylaw intended to restrict commercial drone deliveries, as Amazon prepares to launch its Prime Air service in the town and surrounding communities by the end of the year, CBS Boston reported.

The vote at a special town meeting was 510 to 13. The bylaw would regulate noise, nuisance and privacy issues associated with commercial drone deliveries and would impose fines for violations. It cannot take effect until the state attorney general's office reviews and approves it.

Amazon's plans

Amazon already has a large presence in Westborough, including a fulfillment center and a robotics facility. Its Prime Air program operates drone delivery flights in about a dozen metropolitan areas, and the company plans to expand to several hundred cities and towns across the United States by the end of 2026, according to CBS Boston.

Prime Air uses autonomous drones measuring about 5 feet by 5 feet that deliver packages directly to customers' properties within an hour of an order being placed.

At a Select Board meeting in August, Amazon representative Tareq Wafaie described the town as a natural fit. "Westboro, Mass. has been exactly that type of beacon of innovation that we're looking for," he said, pointing to the company's existing footprint there.

Residents' objections

Opponents told CBS Boston that faster deliveries are not worth the effect on their neighborhoods. "We're very passionate about this issue. It might feel like David and Goliath, but I like how that story ends," said Stephanie Stuchlik, who is part of the opposition. She said she is disturbed by the prospect of drones flying overhead while she spends time outdoors with her children.

Rod Jané described the service as a public nuisance and safety issue. "For what gain? To save 20 or 30 minutes to get your toothpaste or a bottle of Thousand Island dressing? It doesn't make sense," he said. "I think it's a really, really bad idea for the town, and I think we're doing the right thing in opposing it."

Christine Farmer said residents' concern extends beyond one company. "Most of us are Prime customers," she said. "But if drone delivery services operate, that opens the gateway for any other retailer. So that's the reason why the townspeople are saying, 'no thank you.'" Farmer described the prospect of "something just show up and make a delivery stopping 13 feet from your window" as a disruption to the town's quality of life.

Limits of local power

The Federal Aviation Administration largely controls the use of airspace and has approved drone deliveries. Westborough residents are instead attempting to regulate how commercial drone deliveries operate at ground level, CBS Boston reported.

Opponents are also preparing a second challenge through the town's zoning board. They argue that Amazon should not be allowed to use its existing Westborough facility to launch drone deliveries, and they plan to file an appeal with the board.

"We need to stop, we need to pause, we need to do everything in our power to preserve our skies and also our quality of life," Farmer said.

State lawmakers weigh in

The dispute has drawn the attention of state and federal lawmakers. State Sen. Michael Moore and other lawmakers from the area have sent a letter asking Gov. Maura Healey's administration to establish a task force to review commercial drone deliveries and consider possible policy changes.

"Do we want our quality of life impacted by this?" Moore said. He said the outcome in Westborough could reach beyond the town. "Whatever happens here will be the precedent for obviously Massachusetts and maybe New England. That's why it's so important that we try to get this right."

Amazon's response

In a statement, Amazon acknowledged the vote and said it is still evaluating its plans. "We are aware of the bylaw recently passed in Westborough regarding commercial drone delivery. We remain committed to engaging with local officials and community members as we continue to assess our plans for the area," the company said.

The company described Prime Air as safe and reliable and said it already operates in several states and metropolitan areas. "Each Prime Air site creates new jobs spanning operations, engineering, safety, and more, with employees earning competitive wages and full benefits from day one," Amazon said.

What comes next

The bylaw now goes to the attorney general's office for review. Until that review is complete, it has no legal effect. The zoning board appeal planned by opponents and the task force requested by area lawmakers are separate tracks that could also shape whether, and how, drone deliveries begin in Westborough and nearby towns.