Amazon has informed New York that it is pulling out of its plans to build a corporate campus in Long Island City in the borough of Queens, N.Y., a project that promised billions of dollars in investment and at least 25,000 high-paying jobs.
The tech giant faced considerable opposition to its plans, specifically about the nearly $3 billion in government incentives it would have received, but also about political and land-use concessions the city and state had agreed to make in order to lure Amazon, whose search for its “HQ2” location that attracted bids form 238 cities.
Under the plan it is now abandoning, Amazon, over a 15-year period, could have occupied as much as eight million sf of office space that could have accommodated up to 40,000 workers, according to the New York Times.
Amazon’s decision is seen as a major defeat for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio, who championed the effort to forge a deal with Amazon.
In its prepared statement announcing its decision Amazon thanked Cuomo and DeBlasio for their efforts, but also stated that “a number of state and local politicians have made it clear that they oppose our presence and will not work with us to build the type of relationships that are required to go forward with the project we and many others envisioned in Long Island City.”
It wasn’t just elected officials, though, who opposed Amazon’s plan. Typical of many of the responses posted on the Times’ website, following the news of Amazon’s decision, was this from one reader, identified as AL O:
So, you bypass the democratic process and cut a backroom deal that has you taking billions in public money for nothing more than the promise of jobs you may create, and then you're “surprised” when the local people whose rights you bypassed object to the terms of that deal? So, rather than standing your ground and explaining yourself, or perhaps renegotiating the deal a bit to make your neighbors around your proposed facility somewhat happier, you just panic and take your ball and go home crying? It doesn't sound like Amazon was ready for New York.
However, Kathryn Wylde, CEO of the Partnership for New York City, thought that the negative reaction that Amazon received upon its choice of Long Island City, and the company’s subsequent withdrawal from that decision, sends “a pretty bad message to job creators of the city and the world.”
Amazon says it has no immediate plans to reopen its HQ2 search. It will continue with its plans to build a corporate campus in Northern Virginia and other buildings in Nashville.
Related Stories
Building Team | Jul 12, 2022
10 resource reduction measures for more efficient and sustainable biopharma facilities
Resource reduction measures are solutions that can lead to lifecycle energy and cost savings for a favorable return on investment while simultaneously improving resiliency and promoting health and wellness in your facility.
Office Buildings | Jul 12, 2022
Miami office tower nears completion, topping off at 55 stories
In Miami, construction of OKO Group and Cain International’s 830 Brickell office tower is nearing completion.
University Buildings | Jul 11, 2022
Student life design impacts campus wellness
As interior designers, we have the opportunity and responsibility to help students achieve deeper levels of engagement in their learning, social involvement, and personal growth on college campuses.
Museums | Jul 11, 2022
Denmark opens a museum that tells the stories of refugees worldwide
Located on the site of Denmark’s largest World War II refugee camp, the new Refugee Museum of Denmark, FLUGT, tells the stories of refugees from the camp as well as refugees worldwide.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2022
Inefficient supply chains, outdated project delivery systems hamper construction investment
Constructing and justifying the cost of physical assets such as a manufacturing plant is much more difficult than it was decades ago, according to a report by Steffen Fuchs, senior partner with McKinsey & Company.
Airports | Jul 8, 2022
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport’s new terminal prioritizes passenger experience and sustainability
McCarthy Building Companies recently completed construction of the final concourse in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Architects | Jul 7, 2022
Page acquires AE giant EYP to form 1,300-person international design firm
The combined firm will “be able to invest in research and thought leadership to co-create with our clients,” stated Page CEO Thomas McCarthy.
Building Team | Jul 7, 2022
Report explores improving architect/contractor relationship
A new study by the American Institute of Architects and the Associated General Contractors of America focuses on improving the relationship between architects and contractors.
Airports | Jul 7, 2022
Love at first flight: The power of first impressions in airports
As architects, how we design a terminal and choreograph the passenger experience can stir up strong feelings.
Building Team | Jul 7, 2022
Amenity-rich rental property in Chicago includes seven-story atrium with vertical landscaping
The recently opened 198-unit Optima Lakeview luxury rental apartment building in Chicago is bursting with amenities such as the region’s first year-round rooftop pool, contact-free in-home package delivery, housekeeping services, on-site room service, fitness programming, and a virtual personal assistant.