'Bring Amazon HQ To Newark': Christie, New Jersey Dems Agree

NEWARK, NJ —A bipartisan power trio of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka appeared side by side on Monday afternoon for a united plea for the retail giant to bring its new corporate headquarters to Newark.

During a press conference at Rutgers Business School, Christie said that the state will be throwing its power behind a bid to bring Amazon’s second corporate office – known as HQ2 – to Newark. His office estimated that if Amazon chooses the Essex County city, it could create 50,000 new jobs for the state.

• See related article: Amazon Will Hire Thousands In New Jersey

According to Christie:

“Newark is prime for Amazon’s HQ2 development, and this deal would amount to one of the most successful endeavors in the history of New Jersey and Amazon. Newark is centrally located in the largest economic region, is a growing technology hub and offers the country’s fastest internet. It features an ecosystem that boasts unparalleled talent, connectivity, world-class higher education, vast transportation options and unique cultural amenities. For New Jerseyans, HQ2 means 50,000 new jobs and the creation of a larger consumer base and direct opportunities for local small businesses and vendors to grow and thrive. Adding tens of thousands of dedicated and community-oriented Amazon employees and their families will also further enrich our area neighborhoods and schools.”

Other New Jersey locations that were reportedly in the mix for consideration included Mercer County, Camden, New Brunswick, Jersey City, Galloway Township, Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic City.

• See related article: These 7 New Jersey Towns Could Be In Running For New Amazon HQ

Watch: Amazon Is Expanding, And It Could Be Coming To A City Near You

TAX BREAKS? GIVE ME A BREAK

What’s New Jersey’s secret weapon to sway Amazon executives? Massive tax breaks, according to Christie.

New Jersey’s proposal could amount to upwards of $7 billion in potential credits against Amazon’s HQ2 state and city taxes, including an incentive through the state Economic Development Authority that could reach $5 billion over 10 years.

In addition to the state’s $5 million tax break, Amazon may be eligible for a Newark municipal property tax abatement that could be worth $1 billion, as well as a city wage tax waiver worth an estimated $1 billion over 20 years, Christie said.

Since 2010, nearly 40 projects with EDA support are associated with more than $2.2 billion in private investment, the creation of 5,000 new jobs, 11,000 construction jobs and the retention of nearly 2,000 jobs at risk of leaving New Jersey, according to Christie’s office.

But not all New Jersey political pundits are thrilled with the plan to give out millions in tax breaks to a mega-wealthy corporation.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has given out more than $8 billion in corporate tax breaks since January 2010 under the Economic Opportunity Act, the New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP) recently stated.

• See related article: New Jersey Keeps Doling Out Huge Tax Breaks To Corporations

According to NJPP Vice President Jon Whiten, New Jersey doesn’t need to dangle huge tax breaks in Amazon’s direction to attract their attention; the state already has a lot going for it.

“We have bustling cities plus strong road, rail, port, technology and airport infrastructure… a highly educated labor force, excellent public schools and a great quality of life,” Whiten said. “These are the key factors that can attract Amazon to the Garden State - not the $5 billion or more in state corporate subsidies plus $2 billion in local tax breaks that the governor outlined.”

“Merely blowing the lid off already out-of-control corporate tax break policies won’t work, and is dangerous to New Jersey’s future to boot,” Whiten cautioned.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page here.

NEWARK AND AMAZON, SITTING IN A TREE…

Several Newark and New Jersey leaders have offered their support for the plan to woo Amazon.

“HQ2 would mean tens of thousands of local jobs, a boost to our regional economy and small businesses, and help continue the biggest economic boom in Newark since the 1960s,” said Booker, the former mayor of Newark.

According to Booker, Newark offers many strategic logistical benefits that would help Amazon HQ2 thrive, including a “robust transportation network, a highly-educated workforce, and a central location with strong anchor institutions.”

Baraka said that Amazon can be a "powerful partner" that can help the city forge its future.

"From our data infrastructure, which offers cutting-edge bandwidth and the fastest internet speeds to our unmatched logistical infrastructure with trains, roads, rails, airports and seaport, we can help Amazon move its people and products like no other city can," Baraka said.

“Unquestionably, Newark has all that Amazon seeks including something that’s not listed on the RFP, but which is at the core of social responsibility that the company is known for: the opportunity to accelerate the transformation of a great American City that is already experiencing enormous progress," Baraka said.

New Jersey Senator M. Teresa Ruiz thanked Christie and his administration for the Amazon bid.

“Hosting Amazon would be a huge win for our city, but it would benefit the entire state, creating tens of thousands of jobs, generating billions in investment and contributing significantly to our economy,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz added that Newark is the “perfect fit to serve as Seattle’s counterpart in hosting Amazon’s new headquarters.”

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. has also advocated for an Amazon/Newark partnership.

State Senator Ronald Rice said Newark would be a "perfect home" for Amazon.

"Newark is experiencing a promising upswing of economic activity and redevelopment, and I believe we have a great deal to offer Amazon," Rice said. "The city of Newark is in a great position as we head to the 2020’s. We have the creativity, the motivation and the labor force to make our vision a reality.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Patch file photo