Goodbye, Amazon HQ2 in New York. We hardly knew ya.
Amazon AMZN, -0.83% announced Thursday it won’t build its New York City headquarters in Long Island City after all.
“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,” Amazon said in a statement on its website.
And if you were hoping that means Amazon is coming to your neighborhood, you’re out of luck: The company isn’t reopening its search for a new location either.
(Sorry, Lindsey Graham.)
Mr. @JeffBezos,
South Carolina would love to have you locate your new HQ here.
South Carolina is a great place to do business!https://t.co/icR2eIAHVz
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) February 14, 2019
One poll in February found that 56% of voters in New York state supported the project.
But after Amazon announced it isn’t going to New York, plenty of Twitter users said the decision was prime.
Some credited the local politicians who spoke out against Amazon’s move -- or criticized them.
An Episcopal priest and writer called it a “huge win.”
A huge win for grassroots organizers, Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the people of Queens. People power is where it's at. https://t.co/FNJ7QWL4gk
— Broderick Greer (@BroderickGreer) February 14, 2019
A Seattle City councilmember who identifies as a socialist said New York should serve as an example to Seattle.
Huge congrats to working people's movement in NYC for showing that building grassroots fightback can win! Shame on Seattle's politicians for repealing the small Amazon tax to fund affordable housing. NYC's victory reminds us, we need to keep fighting here!https://t.co/lcfmjZ8v85
— Kshama Sawant (@cmkshama) February 14, 2019
But many said local politicians are taking away jobs from New Yorkers, and in particular singled out freshman congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She had previously spoken out about Amazon’s HQ2 and said it was “extremely concerning.”
Congrats to @AOC for taking jobs from NYC by getting Amazon to change its mind.
— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) February 14, 2019
Nicole Malliotakis, a member of the New York State Assembly, a Republican who previously ran for mayor of New York City, tweeted that the politicians lost 25,000 jobs for their constituents.
Nice going anti-capitalists.
Taxpayers wanted a BETTER deal not to KILL the deal. Those elected officials who fought @amazon tooth and nail without flexibility just lost 25,000 jobs for their constituents and the people of New York City. #AmazonHQ2 #NYC https://t.co/qHwq3dgP23
— Nicole Malliotakis (@NMalliotakis) February 14, 2019
Others rejoiced.
McNally Jackson, a popular New York bookstore — and, lest it be said, a competitor — wasn’t exactly disappointed about the decision.
Na na na na
Na na na na
HEY he-ey
Goodbye
