The company also operates a sorting center in Lancaster and the Whole Foods Market in Amherst.

Whitney said he doesn't know whether he will support the proposal and he needs time to assess the project's pros and cons. He wants to learn more about what jobs Amazon would fill at the site and how much they would pay.

Many residents already complain about congestion and traffic backups during rush hour on the South and North Grand Island bridges, and this project would bring many more trucks to the island.

Nate McMurray, the Democratic congressional candidate, worked on this project during his term as Grand Island supervisor that ended in December. He said he welcomes the development’s economic benefits but local, county and state officials should make sure the project provides good union jobs while minimizing the environmental impact.

“We shouldn’t be suckers for Amazon. We have to be smart about this," McMurray said. He added the project wouldn’t be possible without a new sewer line paid for by Huntress and the owner of the nearby Holiday Inn Express.

It’s not clear whether Amazon and Trammell Crow will seek tax breaks for the project.