As someone who also lives in Long Island City, my opposition comes mostly from the fact that other companies like Google were able to bring similar types and amounts of jobs without the media circus or significant tax breaks. I fear that articles like this make it seem like Amazon is doing some great service to us by being here when they clearly have plenty of business motivation to be here as well. It's not exactly a secret that companies are having difficulty hiring experienced engineers, and the NYC metro has one of the largest talent pools. But what is Amazon bringing that those other tech companies aren't?
I'm also concerned about lack of housing stock and potential displacement of people in relatively affordable neighborhoods like Astoria and Sunnyside. Plus, even with the addition of CBTC The 7 train seems ill equipped to handle its current daily ridership of 800k+.
To me it seems unfair to simply brush aside legitimate criticisms of a deal as lack of understanding or political posturing.
I largely support the deal because, as far as I can tell, only $500m is actually specific to amazon, the rest of the tax credits come from existing programs that apply to all businesses. I would prioritize revoking preferential treatment to banks and luxury developers before trying to improve this particular deal.
That being said, I think Amazon should be pressured to make additional concessions relating to public transit, specifically because that's the greatest factor in their ability to hire. I actually think CBTC did wonders for the 7, it's now more reliably and regular than any other line I've ever lived on (A/C/E, B/D/F/M, 4/5/6, and the unspeakably awful G)
I'm also concerned about lack of housing stock and potential displacement of people in relatively affordable neighborhoods like Astoria and Sunnyside. Plus, even with the addition of CBTC The 7 train seems ill equipped to handle its current daily ridership of 800k+.
To me it seems unfair to simply brush aside legitimate criticisms of a deal as lack of understanding or political posturing.