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“Why we should make exceptions for that type client over a different type of development is unclear,” Nussbaum said. “I’m worried by making the exception that a future developer can make the same arguments.”

Watson said the math is simple: the city would be getting much more than what it would be giving.

“What we do offer is approximately $800,000 in interest fees that will be waived, yet we’re getting $8 million to $9 million in infrastructure that will not only serve Amazon, but will serve our purposes to attract more companies to the east end,” Watson said.

“If I were to give you $8 million and you gave me $800,000 back, I’d say that’s a pretty good deal for you, and that’s exactly what we’ve pitched to ensure that this is a viable deal for the land developer, Broccolini, and it lands the Amazon business.”

Photo by Errol McGihon / Postmedia

Some of the road changes, including those to the highway off ramp and Boundary Road, will be co-ordinated with the neighbouring Taggart Miller recycling centre and landfill also under development.

The city for years has been trying to draw commercial interests to the Orléans area.

Cumberland Coun. Stephen Blais said the warehouse is “transformative for the rural eastern communities of our city.”

Blais said an analysis had determined that the Carlsbad Springs trickle feed from the municipal water supply can support the development without impacting the community’s water requirements. Homeowners along the future extended water line could also connect to the service, he said.

Watson said the city doesn’t know if Amazon will run a shuttle service for workers, since the site isn’t served by OC Transpo. There will, however, be lots of parking at the warehouse: 1,008 spaces.

jwilling@postmedia.com

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