New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has spoken directly with Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos on several occasions as he tries to salvage a deal to build a sprawling Amazon campus in Queens.
According to The New York Times, the behind-the-scenes dealing has occurred over the past two weeks between Cuomo, Bezos, and other executives at the Seattle-based company.
Cuomo, the Times reported, has promised to help the company navigate the complicated process to get approvals for its planned project in Long Island City. Cuomo also said the project has much more public support than there appears to be.
Amazon announced in November it would build a massive office complex in Queens. Critics of the deal quickly pointed out the tax breaks and other incentives New York gave to Amazon. Among the vocal opponents of the deal was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
Amazon said in mid-February it was pulling the plug on the project, in part because of the opposition.
The Times reported Amazon has yet to show serious interest in refocusing on the New York City project.