Amazon withdraws controversial drone delivery plan in Central Massachusetts town for now

Amazon withdrew, for now, a controversial proposal for autonomous drone deliveries in Westboro, Massachusetts, but said it plans to resubmit a revised project soon. Prime Air’s plan would use drones about 5 feet by 5 feet to deliver packages to customers’ properties within about an hour. Some residents objected, and at a special town meeting in October they passed a bylaw regulating noise, nuisance, and privacy related to commercial drone deliveries by a vote of 510-13. In a letter Friday to the Westboro Planning Board, Amazon requested withdrawal “without prejudice.” On Sunday, spokesperson Lindsay Hamilton said the FAA has already approved drone operations and that Amazon plans further community engagement and local approval processes. The issue is expected to return Monday at the Zoning Board of Appeals.