Amazon Could Abandon New York HQ2 Due to Local Opposition
Reading Time: 2 minutes The Washington Post reports that Amazon executive are having second thoughts about placing one of the HQ2 location in the New York area (Long Island City).
Vocal opposition from some local New York politicians appear to be the issue and the two unnamed sources within the company say Amazon may consider alternatives.
“The question is whether it’s worth it if the politicians in New York don’t want the project, especially with how people in Virginia and Nashville have been so welcoming.”
Quote Obtained by Washington Post from a “person familiar with the company’s plans”
Celebrated as an economic win by New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo (D) and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), the HQ2 project is facing strong criticism from local politicians and advocacy groups that are “appalled” at Amazon receiving government subsidies to lure the company to Long Island City.
Instead of bringing about 25,000 new jobs to the areas, these folks believe there are better ways to spend taxpayer money.
No Office Leases or Purchase Agreements Yet
Apparently, Amazon has not executed any lease or purchase agreements in Long Island City for the project.
The persistent local backlash about the project has Amazon executives reevaluating the area, especially considering how welcoming other cities and regions have been.
No concrete plans have yet been made by Amazon to abandon the HQ2 project in the New York City area. And there is also a belief that a public threat by Amazon to abandon New York could be a ploy to attempt to quiet critics.
However, time appears to be of the essence for the company and patience might be running out. Amazon wants to move forward and at some point the company will make a decision that is in their best interest.
“I think now is the time for Amazon to make a decision because it has to start hiring,” said one person the Washington Post spoke with. “At some point, the project starts to fall behind.”
Editor’s Note: Amazon founder and CEO Jeffrey P. Bezos also owns The Washington Post
READ MORE: Amazon Selects New York and Washington D.C. Metro Areas for HQ2
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Richard Meldner
Richard is co-founder of eSeller365. He has over 17 years of experience on eBay which includes tens of thousands of sales to buyers in over 100 countries and even has experience with eBay’s VeRO program enforcing intellectual property rights for a former employer. And for about two years Richard sold products on Amazon using Amazon FBA in the US.
To “relax” from the daily business grind, for a few weekends a year, he also works for IMSA as a professional race official.