Amazon changed its mind to build a headquarters in New York

The online giant Amazon has abandoned the project to build a new headquarters in Long Island City (New York) and will not look for another place to build a new office.

Фото: Depositphotos

In a statement from the company from February 14, it is said that this decision was made after a “long reflection”, writes NBC.

“In Amazon's view, the commitment to build a new headquarters requires a positive relationship and cooperation with local elected officials who will support the project over the long term. And while polls show that 70% of New Yorkers support our plans and investments, a number of local politicians have made it clear that they oppose our presence and will not work with us,” Amazon said in a statement.

The company has faced fierce resistance from some New York politicians and state residents since in November 2018 announced its plans to divide its second headquarters, known as Amazon HQ2, between Long Island City in Queens and Crystal City in Arlington (Virginia).

A number of New York politicians were unhappy with almost 3 billions of dollars in tax benefits promised by the state of Amazon. The company planned to create 25 000 new jobs in New York and spend 2,5 a billion dollars to build their offices.

The announcement of the project also sparked protests because of fears that the new headquarters would lead to an increase in rent in Long Island City, the need to relocate low-income residents and an increase in traffic jams on the already crowded city roads.

At the same time, the statement emphasizes that Amazon is still moving forward with its plans to establish a headquarters in Crystal City, as well as an operations center in Nashville.

It is expected that the campus in Arlington will be the same size as the previously planned campus in New York, it is also designed for 25 000 employees. 5000 employees will be working in the Nashville office.

“We are disappointed to have come to this conclusion - we love New York City, its unparalleled dynamism, people and culture - and especially the Long Island City community, where we have met many optimistic, forward-thinking community leaders, small business owners and residents,” Amazon said, adding that Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio “have worked tirelessly on behalf of New Yorkers to spur local investment and job creation.”

“We look forward to opportunities to collaborate in the future as we continue to grow our presence in New York,” the company said.

Critics regarded the project as an extravagant gift from the state of one of the richest companies in the world and argued that it would not bring much direct benefit to the majority of New Yorkers.

In a Feb. 14 statement, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who has previously spoken out against the tax breaks Amazon would receive, said he "looks forward to working with companies that are willing to work with New Yorkers and solve tough problems so New "York is the best place in the world to do business."

A Quinnipiac University poll released in December 2018 found that New Yorkers support Amazon's headquarters in the region by a 57% to 26% margin. However, opinions were divided on tax breaks: 46% were in favor of them, 44% were against them.

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