Amazon is offering a $30 million commitment to support affordable housing in Arlington as it seeks county clearance for the next phase of new HQ2 construction.
The figure was revealed in county documents made public this week, just in time for Amazon's next HQ2 development request to go before the county planning committee on Monday.
Following that, on April 23, the proposal will go before the Arlington County Board for a final decision.
Amazon intends to expand HQ2 in Arlington with a project that includes the spiral-shaped 'Helix' structure as well as three other Amazon office buildings on the 'PenPlace' property. In Pentagon City, that's right off Army Navy Drive.
RELATED: Amazon's HQ2 in Arlington will have a 350-foot spiral-shaped skyscraper known as 'The Helix.'
However, before work can begin, the corporation must obtain Arlington County clearance.
The $30 million contribution to Arlington County's Affordable Housing Investment Fund will be made available immediately once the county approves Amazon's development proposal for the PenPlace site, according to an Amazon spokesman who talked to 7News on Friday:We understand that affordable housing is a hot topic in the county and among our neighbors. This $30 million commitment to affordable housing in Arlington, which is the largest of its sort in the county's history, will be made accessible as soon as PenPlace approves it. Amazon has already made a $800 million donation to the region's affordable housing efforts. At the Planning Commission meeting next week, we want to provide more information.We understand that affordable housing is a hot topic in the county and among our neighbors. This $30 million commitment to affordable housing in Arlington, which is the largest of its sort in the county's history, will be made accessible as soon as PenPlace approves it. Amazon has already made a $800 million donation to the region's affordable housing efforts. At the Planning Commission meeting next week, we want to provide more information.
While the PenPlace plan was being reviewed by the county, Amazon negotiated a community benefits package with Arlington County employees during the last year.Amazon is also required to give streetscape improvements, protected bike lanes, 2.75 acres of public space, and a rent-free, permanent home for Arlington Community High School as part of the package.
Meanwhile, Amazon's first phase of HQ2 development is already begun on South Eads Street at the 'Metropolitan Park' location. The business is constructing two 22-story HQ2 office towers there, which are expected to open in 2023.Amazon agreed to donate $20 million to Arlington County's Affordable Housing Investment Fund in exchange for receiving county clearance for the first HQ2 project. Payment was previously made, according to the county.They're concerned that HQ2's presence in Arlington will grow even larger, according to the Metropolitan Park site.
Yes, it's beneficial for the economy, according to Crystal City resident Daya Chandolia. "However, if you consider the disadvantages, having such a large headquarters in the center of a residential area may be very difficult, because there would be a large number of people pouring in."
Kaylana Gates, a resident of Pentagon City, shared her concerns.
"This is already such a congested location, so I'm afraid about how much more congested it will become," she said, adding that she's also concerned about how HQ2's presence will affect rent costs in the area. "It will almost certainly rise, and it doesn't need to; the cost of living in this location is already exorbitant."
As a result, Gates expressed her delight at Amazon's contribution to affordable housing in Arlington, even if she believes the corporation could provide considerably more.
"Housing affordability is a major concern. I've worked in a variety of settings in which we try to find individuals accommodation "she expressed herself. "So I believe that's a terrific place to start. Do I believe they could have done a little more with such a large company? Sure, why not? But I think it's fantastic that they're donating anything."
The second phase of Amazon's HQ2 is expected to begin building later this year, according to Amazon.
[zombify_post]
0 Comments