HAZEL PARK, Mich. – Residents near an Amazon fulfillment center in Hazel Park are pushing back against the growing presence of delivery drones, saying the aircraft are too loud, fly too low, and pass over their homes too frequently.
Residents describe life under a ‘drone runway’
Joshua Brent lives near the Amazon facility at 10 Mile and Dequindre roads and says the drone traffic has become relentless.
“I live beneath a drone runway flight path with at least 25-50 drones a day, starting well before 9 a.m. and not finishing until after 8-9 p.m. at night,” Brent said.
For Brent, the novelty of fast delivery has given way to a daily nuisance.
“Now what I have is the equivalent of a flying leaf blower lawn mower 20 ft. over my house, 50 times a day. My dogs lose their mind and get upset,” Brent said.
Neighbor Thomas Trastevere shares similar frustrations. When asked about the drones, he paused before responding.
“Deep sigh. I mean, it’s convenient. I haven’t gotten a delivery from it myself, but it’s definitely impacted my peace,” Trastevere said.
Trastevere says the flight frequency has increased noticeably over time.
“Maybe from hearing them twice a day to five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10 times a day, I see a drone overhead,” Trastevere said.
Amazon responds
Amazon did respond to the concerns raised by residents.
Lauren Pulte, an Amazon spokesperson, provided the following statement:
“The local customer response to Prime Air’s ultrafast delivery of household essentials, electronics, and medications has been overwhelmingly positive. We value the feedback of the communities where we operate and will continue working with Hazel Park community members and officials to address their questions and concerns.”
Amazon operates drone-delivery programs at two facilities in Oakland County: one in Hazel Park and one in Pontiac.