Amazon cancels plans for headquarters in New York

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON (AA) – Online retailer Amazon.com has cancelled plans to build its second headquarters, nicknamed HQ2, in New York City following mounting opposition, the company said in a statement Thursday.

The company placed the blame for its decision on some local politicians who were unhappy with the tax incentives it was promised. Amazon said these lawmakers were opposed to the move and were unwilling to work with it on the plans.

"We are disappointed to have reached this conclusion—we love New York, its incomparable dynamism, people, and culture—and particularly the community of Long Island City, where we have gotten to know so many optimistic, forward-leaning community leaders, small business owners, and residents," Amazon said.

The e-commerce company had originally announced a plan to split off its new headquarters between Queens, New York and Crystal City, Virginia, after a year-long competition which involved 200 cities across America.

The company, however, noted that it will continue with its plan to build its headquarters in northern Virginia and will also continue to grow its teams in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island.

Amazon said it will not reopen its search for a new second location for its headquarters.