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Amazon opening distribution center at former Necco site in Revere

REVERE, Mass. — Amazon's newest distribution center in Massachusetts will soon be opening in Revere.

Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo announced Thursday that Amazon will set up shop on American Legion Highway at the site of the former Necco factory.

"To have a company like Amazon come into the city of Revere is really transformational," said Arrigo.

Arrigo says after tens of millions of dollars in renovations, Amazon's state-of-the-art distribution center will create hundreds of part-time and full-time jobs. He says Amazon would become the city's biggest employer, with up to 800 people working in the facility as soon as next spring.

"Soon Amazon will become the largest employer in the city of Revere. Amazon, welcome to Revere. We're moving forward together," said Arrigo.

The distribution center is set to open next year. The mayor says his administration is now going to push the state for better transportation options in the city, including a Commuter Rail stop nearby Wonderland and a connection between the Blue and Red lines.

Arrigo made the announcement on Thursday, saying the delivery station would focus on "last minute" orders for customers in Suffolk County.

The building is about 830,000 square feet on a 50-acre property and was vacated in Sept. 2018 when Necco went out of business after 15 years at the location.

"We are looking at an opening of spring of 2020 and Amazon will be making an investment in the property somewhere between $30 and $40 million will be invested in that site," said Arrigo.

The mayor says Amazon was not offered any tax incentives, but there might be a need for infrastructure improvements to support the new facility. He adds that both traffic and environmental concerns will be addressed.

"I think the problem that we have in this area with the casino and it’s like we have a lot of cars around Everett and Revere, so I think it’s going to be difficult for the delivery guys to deliver all over this area," said Mohammed Menien, of Revere.

But, Arrigo defends the decision and says things are expected to move quickly.

"One thing that is clear is that having no activity there and nothing happen and having no jobs created really isn’t an option especially in this location," said Arrigo.

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