mas24 wrote:
I just saw today on the News today, that Amazon has decided not to have a Headquarters in NYC. Because local politicians and businesses didn't like the Tax Breaks Amazon were going to get. 25,000 good paying jobs were promised in NYC. The debate was that New York City does not give Tax Breaks to the average business man or woman, as they do the rich. The mayor and governor arranged these tax breaks for Amazon, and are upset that Amazon is now leaving NYC. To go elsewhere.
The ability to attract a huge corporation to a city is of major importance to local economies. But, cities can't expect such corporations to move in without some give and take on both sides. Right now in Toronto, one of Google's sister companies is pushing a development of our Port Lands, where they will build the underground infrastructure and finance a publicly-owned t***sit line. In return, the company wants to rec**p its investment and make a "modest" profit from a share of developer fees, increased property taxes and increased land value that come from its investment. Politicians are trying to have the public believe that they knew nothing of the plans until they were revealed in the local newspaper a couple of days ago. The headline the next day was "Politicians react with shock, anger." Politicians must think we are all stupid! Of course Google isn't going to create a mini city on underused land, creating thousands of jobs and increasing the local economy without some kind of handsome return on their investment. Why would they? By the way, Toronto is willing to revisit talks with Amazon about having them build their headquarters here - but apparently our first proposal stands - no extra incentives!