Two sources familiar with the matter told The New York Times the governor has had multiple phone conversations with Amazon executives, including chief executive Jeff Bezos. Mr. Cuomo reportedly told company leaders he would personally help the company navigate the complex governmental process.
The governor also published an open letter in The New York Times on March 1 urging Mr. Bezos to reconsider plans for HQ2. The letter, which was signed by more than 70 unions, business leaders and some elected officials, said Mr. Cuomo would “take personal responsibility for the project’s state approval,” while New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio would “work together with the governor to manage the community development process,” according to the report.
Amazon, which pulled plans to build part of HQ2 in New York City in February, has not shown any signs of reconsidering its decision, the report states. Under the proposed project, Amazon had promised to create up to 40,000 jobs in the Long Island City neighborhood in exchange for a state grant of $500 million and state and city tax breaks totaling more than $2 billion.
An Amazon spokesperson declined to comment to The New York Times.
To access the full report, click here.
More articles on leadership:
Sen. Lamar Alexander: ‘Up to half of everything we spend on healthcare is the US is unnecessary’
Brigham and Women’s president disputes reports of ‘tension’ with Mass General
Ex-New York hospital employees claim leadership lied to state officials
