Research Triangle Foundation: RTP is 'perfect solution' for Amazon HQ2 project http://wraltechwire.com/research-tr...ct-solution-for-amazon-hq2-project-/16933026/ Interesting. The Triangle is awfully competitive for something like this and has always positioned themselves in this way. This could be just like IBM was back in the day. However, it could just be a crafty way of getting Seattle to play ball a little better when it comes to taxes. Could be exciting, but all of the economic development incentive games get a little gross at times.
I worked with people from the foundation for years as we had about 5 acres adjoining the park. They were always on top of any question or comment regarding any aspect of the park or its neighbors from extending Hopson Road to trail maintenance to illegal hunters and other trespassers.
Today's USA Today covered this on the front page and North Carolina did not hit the top 10. Detroit did, but not NC, main factor is will the population density be deep enough to handle 50K employees. I could see possibly Charlotte, but even that would be a stretch.
One of amazons big pushes is public transit. The triangle other than the bus system (which is horrible) has none. WRAL even says this: "We also have a great regional transit plan in the works." Which isnt going to be anywhere near done in 5 years if it ever gets done.
I certainly wish Amazon would come here, it might push NC to invest in some other modes of transportation. Durham would love to see them come over here!!!!
If there were a chance I expect the Foundation would be pulling some strings to get things moving to make it happen. An investment of that caliber would justify the infrastructure upgrade and maybe cause some real planning for light rail for a change.
It would be great to get those 50,000 jobs, but compared to Seattle, and the PacNW in general, where Amazon's HQ1 is, Raleigh just doesn't have the kind of nurturing, innovative environment that Jeff Bezos is probably looking for as a visionary leader. And unfortunately, our area is still being stigmatized over that ridiculous bathroom bill, which has hurt the perception of NC, rather than help it. That's usually the first thing I'm asked about whenever I travel out of NC to the PacNW. So, I'd be very surprised if Bezos chose RTP compared to other places.
