Amazon’s headquarters complex in Seattle — Courtesy: Amazon
By Joshua Burd
Several other cities in New Jersey have filed their bids to become the home of Amazon’s second headquarters, despite the state throwing its official support behind Newark earlier this week.
Published reports say several municipalities — including Trenton, New Brunswick, Camden, Jersey City and Atlantic City — submitted their proposals on Thursday to the Seattle-based e-commerce giant. Thursday was the deadline for submissions, as dozens of cities across the country were expected to make their pitch for a project that could bring 50,000 new jobs.
The submission for New Jersey’s capital city was led by Greater Trenton, the two-year-old nonprofit that oversees economic development there. The submission presents a framework for highly transit-oriented, mixed-use development that includes 14.3 million square feet across five interconnected campuses, plus a transportation and pedestrian network and green space and recreation.
“Clearly this is an extremely competitive process with cities across North America courting Amazon for this potential $5 billion second headquarters project,” said George Sowa, Greater Trenton’s founding CEO. “But we can’t showcase the possibilities and demonstrate our abilities by sitting on the sidelines.
“Developing this proposal has been a great opportunity to collaborate with residents, public and private officials and continues our efforts to change the dialogue, broaden expectations and consider positive outcomes as they relate to the City of Trenton and its untapped potential for economic growth and revitalization.”
The submission by New Brunswick was led by the New Brunswick Development Corp., or Devco, which has overseen billions of dollars’ worth of redevelopment in the city in recent years.
“New Brunswick is the clear choice of New Jersey,” said Christopher Paladino, the organization’s president, according to the website Tap into New Brunswick. “Mass transportation, Rutgers engineering and business school graduates, a walkable city, restaurants, theater district and an engaged, supportive local and county government.”
RELATED: Christie says Newark is ‘the only location for Amazon here in the state of New Jersey’ (VIDEO)
The deadline comes three days after Gov. Chris Christie announced that the state would endorse Newark’s bid for Amazon HQ2, calling the city “the only location for Amazon here in the state of New Jersey.” The state’s support comes with a pledge of some $5 billion in tax credits.
More coverage of New Jersey cities bidding for Amazon’s HQ2 project:
At least five other N.J. municipalities submit bids for Amazon HQ2 (ROI-NJ)
Here’s what Amazon’s HQ would look like if Jeff Bezos bites on Camden offer (NJ Advance Media)
Atlantic City submits bid for Amazon headquarters (The Press of Atlantic City)
Paterson makes its pitch for Amazon’s HQ2 project (Paterson Press)
Not so fast Newark; mayor says Somerville ideal home for Amazon HQ2 (TAP into South Plainfield)
