The Bronx is no longer burning — instead it’s yearning . . . for more jobs.
More than two dozen elected officials from across the borough have sent a joint letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos urging him to locate the e-commerce giant’s second national headquarters in The Bronx.
“The Bronx offers more advantages to Amazon than any other municipality. We are six miles from LaGuardia Airport, 20 minutes from Kennedy Airport, and Manhattan is just a quick train ride away,” said the letter signed by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and most of the borough’s congressional, state and City Council delegations.
“The Bronx is the only borough attached to the mainland United States, and we offer easy connections to Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey by car. In addition, we are in the midst of constructing a new Metro North commuter rail spur in the East Bronx.”
The politicians then boasted pinstripe and cultural pride, pointing out that The Bronx is home to the New York Yankees, The Bronx Zoo, Wave Hill and the New York Botanical Garden.
“We have our own beach and are home to the oldest golf course in the nation,” the pols added, referring to Orchard Beach and Van Cortlandt golf course.
The borough’s politicians said The Bronx is a much different place than a generation ago. In the 1970s, it was beset by arson and became a symbol of urban decay.
The phrase, “The Bronx is burning,” made national headlines when broadcasters of the 1977 World Series at Yankee Stadium panned a few blocks away to capture a massive blaze.
No more. Jobs and development are up.
“With our committed local leadership, we have convinced the curious but skeptical that The Bronx is open for business. Those who have come to take a look have quickly made the decision to stay,” the letter said.
“With smart planning and collaboration, Amazon could become a key piece of our ongoing renaissance.”
Seattle-based Amazon recently announced that it would seek a site for its second American headquarters and issued a nationwide request for proposals.