City Council Grills Amazon at Finance Hearing

In the second of only three City Council hearings on Amazon opening a new hub in Queens, representatives of the tech company answered questions about unions, hiring practices and overall economic impact on the community. Council Member (26th Queens) Jimmy Van Bramer describes the scene, and what he's hearing from constituents. 

Plus: Queens residents who are "anti-Amazon" call-in to explain why, and what Amazon would need to do to become welcome. 

@BrianLehrer I live in @JimmyVanBramer district and I would welcome @amazon - just not the $3bln bribe that the governor and mayor have slipped in. They need NYC consumers more than NYC taxpayers need them.

— Leslie Gevirtz (@sippingsister) January 31, 2019

I want them to promise to build a ton of housing and I want the City to do the upzoning necessary to make that easy to do - a mix of affordable and market rate housing targeted at the salary ranges of incoming Amazon workers. Total bedrooms should be higher than Amazon staffing.

— Your Friendly Neighborhood Nihilist (@Maxtropolitan) January 31, 2019

@BrianLehrer @b_huseman My family are Queens residents and we don't want Amazon here! I can't think of a single way they would improve my life, and a LOT of ways they would make it worse.

— Leontine Greenberg (@leontinemay) January 31, 2019

I live in Queens and I want Amazon here but only if they are a positive partner in the community. they are moving here and completely disrespecting the existing community. If Allow workers to unionize, renounce the tax give aways, respect the neighborhood they'll be welcomed.

— Ryan J (@pokemeintheeye) January 31, 2019