New Yorkers Approve of New Amazon HQ by a 2-to-1 Margin

Massive graffiti opposing Amazon may get the headlines, but a Quinnipiac survey of 1,075 New Yorkers found citywide support for Amazon's choice of Long Island City for a corporate headquarters.

When asked if they "approve or disapprove of Amazon locating one of its new headquarters in Long Island City in Queens", 57% responded "approve", with approval in the high 50s and low 60s across every borough, age range, and political affiliation. The highest approval was in the Bronx, at 64%, and the lowest in Manhattan, at 51%. Survey respondents gave similar numbers when asked if they had concerns about Amazon moving to the city, with 54% saying they have no concerns. Of the 41% who were concerned, most were worried about the impact on housing and transportation.

One of the main criticisms of Amazon's move has been the financial rewards the state has offered if the company meets certain requirements during their first years in the city. When those surveyed were asked if they approve of the nearly $3 billion that Amazon may receive, support dropped to 46%, and 79% of New Yorkers want the city to be more involved in the process, not just New York state. Of those who had an opinion, 38% disagreed with both Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio's handling of the deal.

The survey held worse news for de Blasio as his approval numbers neared their lowest point ever when respondents were asked if they approved of the way he is handling his job. Approval was at 43%, nearing his 41% low approval from May 2016 and dropping from his highest 60% approval in May 2017.

Read the full survey results at Quinnipiac University