What people are saying about Amazon dumping NYC HQ plans
Posted Feb 14, 2019 12:14 pm.
Last Updated Feb 14, 2019 12:39 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW YORK — E-commerce giant Amazon ditched plans to build a new headquarters in New York City, citing opposition from some state and local officials. Amazon has a market cap of about $800 billion and is run by Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest man. The opposition partly stemmed from plans to give the company nearly $3 billion in tax incentives.
Here’s what people are saying about the decision:
Amazon’s Statement on its decision:
“For Amazon, the commitment to build a new headquarters requires positive, collaborative relationships with state and local elected officials who will be supportive over the long-term. While polls show that 70 per cent of New Yorkers support our plans and investment, 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.”
Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City:
“You have to be tough to make it in New York City. We gave Amazon the opportunity to be a good neighbour and do business in the greatest city in the world. Instead of working with the community, Amazon threw away that opportunity,” the mayor said. “We have the best talent in the world and every day we are growing a stronger and fairer economy for everyone. If Amazon can’t recognize what that’s worth, its competitors will.”
Deborah Axt, co-executive director of the anti-poverty group Make the Road New York.
“This announcement marks a landmark victory for our communities and shows the power of the people, even when taking on the world’s richest man.”
George Miranda, president of Teamsters Joint Council 16.
“New Yorkers made it clear that Amazon wasn’t welcome in our city if it would not respect our workers and our communities. Apparently, the company decided that was too much to ask.”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democratic Representative for New York’s 14th congressional district
“Anything is possible; today was the day a group of dedicated, everyday New Yorkers and their neighbours defeated Amazon’s corporate greed, its worker exploitation, and the power of the richest man in the world.”
The Associated Press
