Fewer that they're running off now with their mask policies. I just got run off from the shoe store where I've been doing business for twenty years. I did the best I could, but ended up huddled in a back corner having to dodge unmasked patrons that were being drug over by the clerk to look at shoes, despite my obvious actions. Until this town gets together on what is and isn't acceptable covid policy, the businesses allowing unmasked patrons should be put out of business by Amazon.

Covid, and it's prudent changes in lifestyle, has been hard on all of us. If local merchants don't recognize their role as social institutions allowing for safe access to getting out, they should be bankrupted. Someone will step up to take their place in the market, if its Amazon, so be it.

growth is dependent on a new 4 lane 5 mile bypass

That's the I-840 story near Murfreesboro: taxpayer 'incentive' for Amazon through provision of infrastructure.

First of all, I should say that my name is BoB & I'm an addict. Hardly a day goes by that I am not looking or buying at Amazon. For me, it's one way to keep abreast of new electronic devices, which is (as bizgrrl is keenly aware of) what I do. In fact, my behavior in this matter may border on being over the top. I'm actually contemplating therapy.

As far as vehicular traffic generated by the Amazon facilities, that would be hard to measure. You may possibly compare the impact of traffic brought about by Clayton Homes' location in Alcoa at the end of Pellissippi Parkway to Amazon's. Clayton employs about 2,000 people there & admittedly, some work from home.

(link...)

I frequently pass their entrance & have noticed a very modest increase in traffic since they opened their doors. Even at rush hour, there is only a very small amount of congestion.

Bottom line - I'm hoping the City of Alcoa can improve the infrastructure soon. At the same time, it may be best that the idea of one day delivery is nixed for the sake of my wallet!

BTW: Just for fun - what would you propose doing with the "hundreds of acres that could be used in a much better way"?