Protesters to Hit Streets in Queens to Rally Against New Amazon Headquarters
On Wednesday, those against the Queens plan will protest the move
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Those against the Queens plan for a new Amazon headquarters will protest the move. Katherine Creag reports.
What to Know
It's official: New York City will become home to part of Amazon's new East Coast headquarters
Amazon has announced it will split its new headquarters, known as HQ2, between Long Island City in Queens and Crystal City, Virginia
Amazon announced last year it was looking to open a second headquarters somewhere in North America, bringing as many as 50,000 new jobs
Amazon announced Tuesday that it will be opening a new headquarters in New York City, bringing with it thousands of full-time jobs, but not everyone is on board with the move.
On Wednesday, those against the Queens plan will protest the move. Many are upset over tax incentives the city is giving Amazon. Some worry lower income families and individuals may be driven out and put a strain on mass transit with thousands more commuting every day to the Long Island City area.
However, on the other end, some say it's a huge opportunity. The other part of HQ2 will open in Crystal City in northern Virginia.
Amazon said it will invest $5 billion and create more than 50,000 jobs across the two new headquarters locations, with more than 25,000 employees each (and the potential to expand to 40,000) in Queens and Arlington by 2033. New York state is offering incentives of up to $1.7 billion if Amazon hits the 40,000 mark, which it would have until 2034 to achieve.
Hiring at both headquarters will begin in 2019. Starting in 2020, Amazon will have job fairs and resume workshops for three years to promote employment to NYCHA residents.
Nicole Avella
Now officially open to the public, this second phase of Hunter's Point South in Long Island City brings the park to a total of 11-acres of open space along the East River waterfront.
Nicole Avella
The park's expansion begins at 54th Avenue and wraps around Newtown Creek, creating an urban oasis for New Yorkers.
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
Visitors now have access to improved walkways that lead to breathtaking views throughout the park.
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
New York-based artist Nobuho Nagasawa created Luminescence, an art installation in the park that presents the phases of the moon through 6-foot concrete discs that glow at night. The permanent sculptures are etched to reflect the moon's craters, mountains, and valleys.
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
The park is a design collaboration between SWA/BALSLEY and WEISS/MANFREDI, with ARUP as the prime consultant and infrastructure designer. The project weaves together landscape, infrastructure, architecture, and art in a sustainable way to create a dreamlike escape for all who visit.
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
A 30-foot-high platform offers the perfect vantage point to capture photos of the Manhattan skyline.
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
"This new $100 million park and infrastructure project is a jewel in Parks system throughout the City," said New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer.
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
Wooden seating areas scattered throughout the property give park-goers comfortable spots to sit back and enjoy the view.
Nicole Avella
The park also includes adult fitness equipment for anyone to use.
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
The park is part of a multi-step plan intended to revitalize a long-underused area of Long Island City and create the largest affordable housing development in New York City since the 1970s.
Nicole Avella
“Every New Yorker has the right to access world-class parks and public spaces," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Nicole Avella
Nicole Avella
This development serves as an addition to the first phase of Hunter's Point South which opened back in August 2013 and features a central green, a playground, recreation spaces, and a waterside promenade with an elevated café plaza.
Nicole Avella
"We are excited to build new headquarters in New York City and Northern Virginia,” Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon, said in a statement. “These two locations will allow us to attract world-class talent that will help us to continue inventing for customers for years to come. The team did a great job selecting these sites, and we look forward to becoming an even bigger part of these communities.
