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Reps. Katko, Brindisi to Amazon CEO: Upstate New York is Open for Business

Katko, Brindisi Urge Amazon CEO to Keep Plans to Stay in New York, Visit

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (RealEstateRama) — Following news yesterday that Amazon has abandoned its plans to open its HQ2 headquarters in New York City,  U.S. Reps. John Katko (NY-24) and Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) today sent a bipartisan letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos urging the company to maintain its investment in New York State.

The letter, which echoes the message sent earlier this week by New York State lawmakers, urges Amazon’s CEO to consider Upstate New York for its HQ2 headquarters.  Katko and Brindisi tout the benefits Upstate New York has to offer to the company – including a dynamic workforce, affordable housing, and an abundance of higher education centers and technical training institutions – and invite Mr. Bezos to visit the reg

The text of the letter is below.

February 15, 2019

Jeffrey Bezos
Chairman, President & CEO, Amazon.com, Inc.
1200 12th Ave South, Suite 1200
Seattle, WA 98144

Dear Mr. Bezos, 

We write today to echo the sentiments of our colleagues on the state level who earlier this week expressed the desire for Amazon to consider locating its headquarters, HQ2, in Upstate New York. Given yesterday’s news that Amazon has definitively canceled plans to expand its headquarters in New York City, we renew this push and ask that you visit Upstate New York to learn more about our region and the benefits it has to offer for your company.

Upstate New York is ripe for investment.  Our region is a hub for education, home to several colleges and universities, as well as manufacturing and technical training facilities.  It is centrally located within the state, and located close to several major international airports.  Our workforce is eager for new opportunities, and home ownership in Upstate New York is affordable for those relocating to our region.

While it is unfortunate that political battles downstate have blocked this investment in New York City, we agree with the Governor and our colleagues representing Upstate communities –  New York should still be home to Amazon and we welcome its growing operations.  Upstate New York is ready and willing to be open for business.

We are grateful for your consideration of this request.

Rep. John Katko (NY-24)
Rep. Anthony Brindisi (NY-22)