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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | September 12, 2022 5 Learn how Hartford's largest organizations are modernizing their Identity and Access Management programs. Learn more at hybridpathways.com Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary said a recent $4.8 million land purchase by Amazon is a sign the e-commerce giant is committed to plans to build a sprawling distribution center on currently undeveloped land straddling the Waterbury-Naugatuck line. HBJ PHOTO | MICHAEL PUFFER Amazon deepens commitment to massive Waterbury/Naugatuck distribution center with $4.8M land purchase By Michael Puffer mpuffer@hartfordbusiness.com A n Amazon-affiliated limited liability company recently paid $4.8 million for an 8.5-acre industrial property in Naugatuck, deepening the e-commerce giant's commitment to plans for a massive distribution warehouse on the Waterbury-Naugatuck line. The property at 191 Sheridan Drive will help Amazon access a massive distribution center planned on roughly 160 acres of currently undeveloped land straddling the city line. For Waterbury and Naugatuck officials, the purchase – logged Aug. 22 – is a major reinforcement of Amazon's commitment. Officials have touted the project as a jobs and tax revenue generator. "This $4.8 million purchase is a very positive sign and strong commit- ment that this project is going in the right direction for the people of Waterbury and Naugatuck," Water- bury Mayor Neil O'Leary said. Waterbury owns the roughly 160-acre property that is the focus of Amazon's aspirations for a 130-foot- tall, "robotic-sort, multi-level fulfillment and distribution center." City officials have tried to develop the land for decades. Proposals for a mall, dog track and casino fell through due to resident oppo- sition and steep topography that made it difficult to access the area without infringing on roads in residential neighborhoods. A major turning point came several years ago when O'Leary and Naugatuck Mayor N. Warren "Pete" Hess agreed to work together to solve the challenge of property access. Both communities later agreed to evenly split tax revenue. Waterbury will get the $2.5 million Bluewater Property Group – Amazon's developer – will pay under a purchase-and-sale agreement approved in May. That agreement gives Bluewater 18 months to inspect the 160-acre property, study construction feasi- bility, finalize land-use approvals and reach a tax agreement with Water- bury and Naugatuck before closing. After closing, Bluewater Property Group would have another year to begin construction. While those deadlines are a long way off, Amazon's $4.8 million purchase of the abutting property has further cemented commitment to the project. "I look at it as a good strong sign," Hess said. He has another reason to celebrate as Amazon paid off $375,000 in back taxes owed on 191 Sheridan Drive. Robotic-sort distribution center Amazon.com Services LLC, which lists an address at Amazon's Seattle headquarters, purchased the Sheridan Drive property from West- port-based Bluewater Hill South LLC, according to land records. Bluewater Hill South acquired the property for $2 million in 2007, according to assessing records. Attempts to reach an Amazon spokesperson were not