Boston, Buffalo, Baltimore and Birmingham. Chicago, Charlotte and Cleveland. Las Vegas, Long Island and Louisville, too. All have submitted bids to Amazon for the online retail giant’s new headquarters that will come with 50,000 high-paying tech jobs and $5 billion in construction spending.
It’s widely reported that Orlando is among the 238 cities, counties, regions and states that submitted a bid. If Cocoa’s neighbor lands the prize feverishly sought by much of the nation, it could have impacts far beyond the city’s limits.
The Orlando Business Journal reports that the “68-acre, $1 billion Creative Village development, which will be anchored by a new University of Central Florida campus, is at the forefront of” the city’s proposal.
A spokesperson for Orlando’s Amazon effort says the city is known for partnering with local governments and extending its hand across the region.
While the downtown Creative Village slated to open in 2019 is one potential home for Amazon’s HQ2, the article stated that there are other possibilities, too: Osceola County’s coming 500-acre technology district dubbed NeoCity and land next to the Tupperware SunRail Station (about 45 minutes west of Cocoa).
Experts say that wherever HQ2 lands, it might well create a housing boom (and possible shortage) that will have a ripple effect. In addition, it would undoubtedly have an impact on the region’s infrastructure, especially mass transit.
There would undoubtedly be an influx of workers to the area to work for Amazon and the companies that would grow or spring up to support the headquarters and its employees.
There will obviously be many land use and zoning issues up for debate in Cocoa and nearby cities if Orlando lands the golden prize. The announcement will be made in 2018, Amazon says.
A law firm experienced in helping homeowners and business owners navigate the zoning process can help you protect your rights, your property and your interests.