Amazon Launches Prime Air Drone Delivery in South Suburbs

Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery started recently in the south and southwest suburbs. This caught some residents and officials off guard and led to questions about noise and safety. Delivery began from Amazon’s Markham location on October 12 and is available within a 7.5-mile radius from the center at 2201 W. 159th St. The coverage area includes Homewood, Harvey, and South Holland.

“It’s new,” remarked Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld. “You look up, and there it is.” Mayor Hofeld noted Homewood received no prior communication from Amazon about the service launch. Amazon plans to begin similar operations from its Matteson location, as stated by Sam Bailey, Amazon’s economic development manager, although no specific date has been shared yet.

Bailey highlighted that the service demand is strong in Markham, with the location hitting its maximum capacity of 300 drone orders daily. A total of 21 drones deliver thousands of orders across the 7.5-mile zone. Expansion is a consideration due to high demand. “We’re thrilled to launch just in time for the holidays,” Bailey added. The upcoming Matteson site is expected to boost capacity further.

Amazon received approvals from both Markham and the Federal Aviation Authority to operate the drones. While drones produce substantial noise close to the ground, with takeoff and landing sounds sometimes drowning out event speakers, the noise is brief and only occurs during the day.

Bailey stated the drones reach up to 68 decibels at delivery points. They can carry packages up to 5 pounds, with 60% of the Markham center’s inventory deliverable by drone. The drones are equipped with forward-facing cameras exclusively for navigation, and there’s no surveillance capability. Footage is reviewed only if an incident occurs.

Bailey sees Prime Air as a solution for urgent ordering of small necessities. “Think of parents, seniors, or those unable to leave home,” he said. “In moments when a child’s medicine is expired, or diapers are needed, this service is beneficial.”

Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa and the City Council commemorated the program’s launch with a ribbon-cutting. “We’re all benefiting,” Agpawa remarked. “It’s a significant part of economic development, offering a different type of service.” He compared the drone service to futuristic concepts like “The Jetsons.”

Agpawa acknowledged safety and noise as community concerns but considered Amazon’s drones no more dangerous than smaller, recreational ones. Residents fear potential accidents involving people or property. Amazon addressed these concerns comprehensively, according to Agpawa, but acknowledged that perfect safety cannot be guaranteed.

Homewood has faced some resident complaints, as Hofeld noted. Social media comments on the drone service varied from excitement to hostility. Issues included lack of notification and curiosity about aerial operations.

Bailey advises customers to clear delivery areas. Drones drop packages from a height of about 12 feet, and deliveries will cancel if motion is detected near the landing site. “Keep children indoors,” Bailey emphasized. “We will not deliver if it’s unsafe.”

In one instance, preschool children saw a drone delivery at Cora Court. Municipalities like Homewood and Dolton encourage residents to report noise and delivery issues to [email protected]. Safety concerns are also reportable to the Federal Aviation Administration via hotline.faa.gov.

In August, Amazon announced plans to expand Prime Air to nearly 500 cities and towns by year-end.