I was SHOCKED to see Amazon HQ2 pull out of their deal with NYC. But
opponents of Amazon’s plan to come to Queens were popping the champagne corks Thursday after the company made it’s announcement.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the decision a victory over “corporate greed” and over the retail giant’s billionaire founder, Jeff Bezos.
“Anything is possible,” the Bronx/Queens Democrat tweeted. “Today was a day a group of dedicated, everyday New Yorkers & their neighbors defeated Amazon’s corporate greed, its worker exploitation, and the power of the richest man in the world.”
She later incorrectly claimed the $3 billion in subsidies that would have gone to Amazon could be used to hire teachers, fix the subway and “put a lot of people to work.”
But there is no $3?billion pot of money — most of it would have been in the form of future tax breaks.
Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who led the grilling of Amazon officials at two hearings, decried “vulture capitalism” and took a dig at the helicopter pad the company planned to build at its Long Island City site.
“I hope this is the start of a conversation about vulture capitalism and where our tax dollars are best spent,” he said.
“I know I’d choose mass transit over helipads any day,” he added.
His predecessor, Melissa Mark-Viverito, blasted both Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio.
“[This was] pushed through by two men who think community engagement is a joke,” said the former speaker, who is running for public advocate.
No word yet on how they’ll move forward on choosing another city to plant roots. (please Philly)
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