Amazon’s decision to build part of its second headquarters in Long Island City garnered mixed reviews from the local Twitter universe.
The decision to bring part of the company’s new headquarters has left many divided over the issue. The public and elected officials have taken to Twitter to voice their concerns or praise for Amazon’s decision to set up their second headquarters to Long Island City.
In a joint statement from Senator Michael Gianaris and Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer posted on Twitter, the lawmakers say that “offering massive corporate welfare from scarce public resources to one of the wealthiest corporations in the world at a time of great need in our state is just wrong.”
Joint statement from @SenGianaris & I regarding Amazon #HQ2 LIC deal: pic.twitter.com/Ipj9L2kMJW
— Jimmy Van Bramer (@JimmyVanBramer) November 11, 2018
Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez agreed with Van Bramer and Gianaris, stating that the city is in need more investment in the subways and community rather than in a billion-dollar company.
Amazon is a billion-dollar company. The idea that it will receive hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks at a time when our subway is crumbling and our communities need MORE investment, not less, is extremely concerning to residents here.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018
New York City residents are citing worries about being priced out of the borough or not being able to afford to live off of current wages as a result of Amazon’s move to Long Island City, as well as concerns about gentrification and the already overcrowded subways.
Get ready to be priced outta Queens, kiddos ? #AmazonHQ2
— Sowmya Krishnamurthy (@SowmyaK) November 13, 2018
If @amazon is locating in those two places, it better up it’s $15/hr wage. You’d go broke in those areas earning that little.#AmazonHQ2 #CrystalCity#LongIslandCity
— John Roberts (@JohnHRobertsJr) November 13, 2018
Western Queens & NYC already face housing, transit & gentrification crises. With this deal for #AmazonHQ2, the rich get richer, the politicians make their mark, and the communities are left to suffer.
— Arthur Tarley (@arthurtarley) November 13, 2018
lol as if living in NYC wasn’t expensive enough…here’s thousands of Amazon HQ2 employees to make it worse!
— nick but in california (@Binetti212) November 13, 2018
The 7-train is already packed to the brim with customers with no alternative.
The G-train is bursting at the seams when it reaches its final destination in Long Island City.
This #AmazonHQ2 is bad for existing Queens residents.
— T from Queens™ (@Tristan_NYC_) November 13, 2018
However, despite the fears and reservations of those in the area, many are looking forward to the new headquarters, citing the potential job opportunities for New Yorkers.
You’re already showing how much you don’t get it. Amazon would be tremendous for NYC. Jobs, jobs, jobs. And more than their fair share of taxes. Amazon is not responsible for decades of NYC mismanagement.
— glenws68 (@glenws68) November 13, 2018
And brining 25,000 jobs to Queens is a bad idea? Not to mention that most buildings in LIC & Astoria are empty & need occupants.
— Why worry ! (@MoroccanLove) November 13, 2018
Respectfully, what’s wrong with Amazon investing billions into LIC, providing jobs and economic opportunity? Lots of companies would follow. Great for local businesses, restaurants and shops and their workers. The city will finally be forced to address transportation issues!
— Michael D. Klett (@michaeldklett) November 13, 2018
This is great for L.I.C. So excited that amazon is coming. More jobs, infrastructure improvements, more retail and soon not to be a bedroom community. Condo owner here since 2014, long time waiting improvements coming
— Little Duppie Jr. (@DuppieJr) November 13, 2018
As an LIC resident, I couldn’t be more excited that Amazon is coming. Yes, there will be challenges and growing pains, but a major investment in our community will bring jobs and economic opportunity to people across the income spectrum. #AmazonHQ2 #longislandcity #LIC #Amazon
— Michael D. Klett (@michaeldklett) November 13, 2018
