Business | Friday, February 15, 2019 | By Office of NYS Senator Pam Helming
In recent weeks, it has become increasingly clear to legislators in Albany that the Amazon.com project in New York City could be in jeopardy. Legislators say it is time to talk about relocating the proposed second Amazon Headquarters perfectly between Rochester and Syracuse, NY. Both cities have world-class colleges and universities, providing a rich pool of potential employees to support the Amazon campus.
"There is huge potential in Upstate for Amazon! NYC's loss could be Upstates gain and a real win for Amazon," said Senator Pam Helming (R-C-I, Canandaigua). "Our region has an abundance of affordable, shovel ready sites. We have highly skilled local workers who could fill the 25,000 plus positions and a regional workforce development program to support Amazon. The Finger Lakes region offers easy, convenient access to major transportation routes and international airports. Our area includes world-class medical institutions, superior public education, and affordable housing opportunities. The sorts of incentives NYC offered Amazon would not even be needed because upstate is significantly more affordable than New York City. Our unmatched quality of life and beautiful environment draw visitors from across the world and would certainly help Amazon in their efforts to attract top talent."