Government
BY DUSTIN BUTLER
City sees multiple drone-related developments taking shape
Since Richardson City Council approved an ordinance update to allow drone operations and maintenance centers in the Collins/Arapaho Innova- tion District in February, the city has seen increased interest in drone-related businesses. The gist The Richardson City Planning Commission recommended approval for a special permit to allow drone delivery company Zipline to operate a maintenance center in the Innovation District. The facility will be located at 1155 Kas Drive, according to city documents. The commission also recommended approval for an update to the Amazon Distribution Center’s planned development to allow drone operations during its March 18 meeting. If approved, a drone delivery hub would be built adjacent to the current distribution center. The launch area will be fenced in and two modular buildings will be added to the facility for battery charging, maintenance and
storage, according to city documents. Another drone delivery company Wing has also partnered with Walmart to offer drone delivery services in Frisco and Garland. Zipline is working with Walmart in McKinney to offer the service there. Diving deeper Pending final approval, Zipline will establish a regional headquarters to support drone mainte- nance, business operations and customer supporter services, Peters said. “This will not be a delivery hub; this will be where drones come for maintenance,” Senior City Planner Derica Peters said. Zipline uses drones with an 8-foot wingspan, capable of carrying 8 pounds and traveling 70 miles per hour. Along with drone maintenance, Zipline Project Manager Stefanie Cooke said the center will have a showroom and classroom. Additionally, a space will be dedicated for customer support and community
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engagement. Sam Bailey, senior manager for economic devel- opment and public policy for Amazon, said the company chose the Richardson distribution center for a drone operations center because it is a high-per- forming, same-day delivery facility. Additionally, Bailey said customers who do not want drone delivery can opt out of the service.
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