Amazon Abandons New York HQ2 Plans Amid Intense Local Pushback
Amazon officially cancels its plans to build a second headquarters in Long Island City, Queens, after facing fierce opposition from local politicians and activists. The tech giant will instead move forward with its expansion projects in Virginia and Tennessee.
Amazon officially cancels its plans to build a highly coveted second headquarters in Long Island City, Queens. After much thought and deliberation, company executives determine that there is no viable path forward in New York due to uncooperative local politicians. The tech giant decides to abandon the deal despite the state's promise of close to $3 billion in incentives and the potential to create over 25,000 jobs.
The cancellation follows a fierce backlash from local activists and lawmakers who oppose the company's presence in the neighborhood. Critics consistently pack public forums to decry the secretive process behind the incentive packages and to raise serious concerns about gentrification. The chosen headquarters location sits near one of the country's largest public housing developments, which further fuels community outrage.
Although Amazon praises Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo for their dedication to the project, the company directly blames other state and local politicians for stymieing the plans. Amazon states that it will not reopen a search to find a replacement for the New York City location. Instead, the company proceeds with its scheduled expansions in Crystal City, Virginia, and Nashville, Tennessee.