Media Coverage

This page has links to stories of interest on the Carvana project in Southwick. If there is a news story that should be here and is not please contact us and we will get it listed.

Oct 6, 2021

Critics call for Select Board to resign after dismissing commissioners

SOUTHWICK — Members of Southwick’s Select Board faced calls from the public to resign from their positions after the board voted to remove three commissioners from different town commissions. During the Oct. 4 Select Board meeting, members of the public used the public comment portion to call out the board for removing Maryssa Cook-Obregon, Chris Pratt and Dennis Clark from their commissions during the Sept. 27 meeting.

Oct 4, 2021

Southwick residents speak out at Select Board meeting Monday evening

There was a large group of residents in Monday's meeting, many of who were vocal in their anger towards the Select Board for the removal of the three town officials from voluntary positions, all who were involved in the Save Southwick group.

Sept 29, 2021

Carvana opponents dumped from Southwick committees

SOUTHWICK — The select board on Monday replaced three critics of the withdrawn Carvana project on several town committees. “I think the three of us, after being outspoken this summer, we just got the ax,” said Maryssa Cook-Obregon, who was on the agricultural commission, conservation commission and master plan committee. “It feels very retaliatory.”

Aug. 25, 2021

Carvana opponents seek role in shaping town policy

SOUTHWICK – Carvana may be gone, but Save Southwick, the grassroots group that galvanized opposition to the online used car retailer’s proposed facility, is sticking around.

After playing a large role in Carvana’s decision to abandon plans for a 200,000-square-foot vehicle processing

Sept 1, 2021

Southwick emphasizes balance for the community

When they talk about managing their town into the future, officials in Southwick emphasize the word "balance." In order for the town to remain a desirable place to live, said Karl Steinhart, chief administrative officer, there needs to be a combination of housing and recreation areas,

July 17, 2021

Save Southwick raises $7,000 at pasta dinner to oppose Carvana project

SOUTHWICK- The Save Southwick group raised nearly $7,000 at a pasta dinner fundraiser July 15 at the Southwick Inn for the opposition campaign against the proposed Carvana project at 686 College Highway.

Save Southwick spokesperson Andrea Bugbee said that the group sold out of dinners at 150 meals, and that they raised $6,955 after expenses had been accounted for.

July 17, 2021

Southwick community continues to rally against proposed Carvana facility

SOUTHWICK, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Residents of Southwick continue to voice their opposition to the proposed Carvana facility that the Fortune 500 company plans to bring to the town. Members of the community gathered outside the Southwick Town Hall Saturday morning in hopes to spread their message. A peaceful, lively rally took place outside of Southwick Town Hall on Saturday. Dozens of residents, including ...

July 17, 2021

Southwick residents hold protest against proposed Carvana facility

SOUTHWICK, Mass. (WWLP) – A group of Southwick residents came together Saturday morning to protest against the proposed Carvana car processing warehouse in the town.

The rally began at 10:00 a.m. in front of the town hall and it’s the latest in resident’s efforts to voice their concerns. Southwick residents including ‘Save Southwick,’ a citizens group in opposition of the proposed Carvana warehouse, hosted the rally.

July 16, 2021

Southwick pasta dinner fundraiser benefits "No Carvana" campaign's efforts

The money raised will go towards legal fees the residents are now left to face. They sought out legal help to stop Carvana from coming.

July 15, 2021

Southwick planners need to hear voices of local residents on Carvana facility (Letters)

The proposed 200,000 square foot used car warehouse being proposed by a Missouri developer for Tannery Road in Southwick is expected to process nearly 67,000 cars per year.

The average daily vehicle traffic has been quoted, by Carvana, as being 2,644 more vehicles on our roads daily, seven days a week.

July 14, 2021

Agawam residents react to City Council’s opposition to Carvana facility in Southwick

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) – “Agawam says No Carvana.” Those signs now at the center of Feeding Hills where a newly reconstructed intersection feeds directly into Southwick.

Agawam City Councilors say this section of town could be negatively impacted by the proposed Carvana facility. Organizations in opposition to the proposed plan told 22News they’re trying to bring awareness to the big picture.

July 14, 2021

LETTER: ‘shocked and appalled’ over Carvana

To the Editor,

I am shocked and appalled to learn that the Planning Board of Southwick is considering ruining our town for the promise of $900,000 per year from Carvana, the Internet auto dealer. They want 137 acres of Southwick farmland where they will pave over 66 acres and put in a mega car lot.

July 13, 2021

Agawam councilors vote to ‘express concerns’ about Carvana proposal in Southwick

AGAWAM — Concerned that the Carvana facility proposed in Southwick could send too much traffic out Route 57 and through Feeding Hills center, the Agawam City Council voted unanimously Monday to express those worries to Southwick.

July 13, 2021

Campaign against Carvana continues ahead of hearing

SOUTHWICK- Opponents of the Carvana project are continuing their campaign with a fundraising dinner and a rally ahead of the July 20 Planning Board hearing.

July 12, 2021

Carvana opponents plan fundraiser, rally to halt Southwick development

SOUTHWICK— Residents opposed to a proposed Carvana processing and distribution facility here will host a fundraising dinner on Thursday, July 15, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Southwick Inn on 479 College Highway.

July 12, 2021

Carvana’s plans to pave over acres of beautiful farmland in Southwick not welcome (Letters)

Nirvana may be a transcendent state of mind, but Carvana is the opposite of enlightenment. Their land use plan for the small town of Southwick looks like a huge concrete airplane dropped onto a sea of asphalt ...

July 12, 2021

Southwick Carvana project opposed by Sandlin

AGAWAM – Agawam City Councilor Rosemary Sandlin elaborated on why she opposes the proposed Carvana facility in Southwick ahead of the July 12 City Council meeting at which the body considered a resolution formally opposing the project.

July 12, 2021

Agawam city councilors join push back against proposed Southwick Carvana project

SOUTHWICK, Mass. (WWLP) – Push back continues against Carvana’s proposed vehicle processing facility in Southwick and surrounding communities expressed their opposition to the project as well.

July 12, 2021

Carvana opponents plan fundraiser, rally to halt Southwick development

July 10, 2021

Agawam City Council to consider resolution opposing Southwick Carvana project

AGAWAM- The Agawam City Council will consider a resolution July 12 at the Agawam Senior Center to formally oppose the proposed Carvana project at 686 College Highway in Southwick.

July 5, 2021

Southwick to resume talks on Carvana project later this month

The Southwick Planning Board will resume the hearing and vote on the Carvana project, and it has been extended to July 20. This is after a hearing was held last week but no decision was made. 22News was there at the hearing and a large group of Southwick residents was present, many in great opposition of the building of the Carvana center on College Highway.

July 3, 2021

LETTER: Carvana impact on roads

To the Editor,

Those of us who live near City View Boulevard in Westfield and Sunnyside in Southwick are already impacted from the heavy truck traffic detour resulting from the bridge construction in Westfield on 10/202 (College Highway) that has not even begun yet.

Jun 30, 2021

Southwick Planning Board to resume Carvana hearing on July 20

SOUTHWICK — The Planning Board will take up the Carvana project at a dedicated meeting just on that topic 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, after cutting off discussion Tuesday night after nearly three hours.

Jun 30, 2021

Southwick rally ahead of planning board meeting for Carvana project

SOUTHWICK, MA (WGGB/WSHM) --A rally against the Southwick Carvana project. It’s a proposed town project that brings a vehicle processing facility to College Highway.

Jun 30, 2021

No decision made at Southwick planning board meeting on Carvana

SOUTHWICK, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A planning board meeting was underway in Southwick for a proposed vehicle processing facility.

Jun 29, 2021

Southwick residents concerned over Carvana Proposal

SOUTHWICK, MA (WGGB/WSHM)--Residents in Southwick are speaking up and taking action after catching word of a proposal that would convert over 60 acres of farmland into a car distribution center.

Jun 29, 2021

Southwick rally ahead of planning board meeting for Carvana project

SOUTHWICK, MA (WGGB/WSHM) --A rally against the Southwick Carvana project. It’s a proposed town project that brings a vehicle processing facility to College Highway.

The planning board will decide how to move forward as these protesters are looking for their voices to be heard.

Jun 29, 2021

Carvana proposal packs Southwick Planning Board meeting; residents oppose $20M-$40M distribution center

SOUTHWICK — Stifling heat and torrential rain didn’t stop more than 100 opponents of Carvana’s proposed used-car distribution center from packing a Planning Board meeting Tuesday night.

Jun 28, 2021

Carvana $20M to $40M car distribution project in Southwick mobilizes opponents, defenders

SOUTHWICK — Carvana, the online used car retailer recently named to the Fortune 500 list of the country’s biggest companies , promises to make buying a used car quick and hassle free.

June 28, 2021

Dozens gather to protest Carvana project

SOUTHWICK- Dozens of protesters gathered outside of Town Hall June 26 to express their displeasure towards the proposed Carvana facility at 686 College Highway.

Jun 26, 2021

Community gathers to protest Carvana construction in Southwick

SOUTHWICK, Mass. (WWLP) – Carvana could be expanding its fast-growing company to Southwick.

Jun 26, 2021

Carvana protest in Southwick

SOUTHWICK, Mass. (WWLP) – Southwick residents held a protest Saturday against a project they claim will be damaging to their community.

Jun 25, 2021

Carvana gets thumbs-up from Select Board

SOUTHWICK – The Select Board June 14 voted unanimously to support the proposed Carvana facility at the Griffin Land Trust on the corner of College Highway and Tannery Road.

News of the project has been met with some outcry from members of the public who believe that such a large development would not be good for Southwick.

Jun 24, 2021

Southwick Water Commission discusses Carvana warehouse proposal details

SOUTHWICK, MA (WGGB/WSHM)--the town of Southwick takes another step forward in welcoming a Carvana vehicle processing facility to College Highway.

Jun 24, 2021

Southwick residents concerned about Carvana Warehouse proposal

Town Water Commissioners explained more details about the projected water usage for the project Thursday night. For outspoken critics, it is another reason to speak out against the facility.

June 11, 2021

Resident says Carvana is ‘not good’ for Southwick

SOUTHWICK- Residents expressed concerns this week about a proposed Carvana facility during the June 8 Planning Board hearing.

June 11, 2021
Carvana interested in building facility along College Highway in Southwick

SOUTHWICK, Mass. (WWLP) – A proposed Carvana used car distribution and processing center is getting some backlash from Southwick residents.

May 27, 2021

Planning Board discusses proposed Carvana facility

SOUTHWICK- The Planning Board conducted a hearing May 25 to discuss the recently announced plan to bring a Carvana vehicle processing facility to Southwick.