AMAZOFF

Amazon Cancels Plans for HQ2 in Queens, New York

Following fierce opposition from locals and city officials.

Amazon announced Thursday that it has canceled plans to build a new, second headquarters in Queens, New York, following extensive pushback from local officials. “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,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “While polls show that 70 percent 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.” The company planned to create 25,000 jobs just across the river from Manhattan in exchange for almost $3 billion in incentives—a deal that was fiercely criticized as too generous by lawmakers. In recent weeks, the state senate nominated an Amazon critic to a board on which he had the power to possibly veto the deal, and city council members lambasted Amazon officials at local hearings. Amazon will continue with plans to build a second corporate campus in suburban Washington, D.C., but said it does not plan to look for a replacement for the Queens campus.

opinion

THE HARDEST THING

Amazon Bites Off More Than It Can Chew With Big Apple HQ2

Joel Kotkin