Trenton Enters Competition to Bring Amazon HQ2 to Capital City

On Oct 19, 2017

Greater Trenton, the 501(c)(3) economic development organization formed in 2015 to advance economic revitalization efforts in the state’s capital city, announced that it has submitted a proposal to make Trenton the location for Amazon’s second headquarters. The submission presents a framework for highly transit-oriented, mixed-use development that includes five interconnected campuses; a transportation and pedestrian network as well as green space and recreation.

“Clearly this is an extremely competitive process with cities across North America courting Amazon for this potential $5 billion second headquarters project. But we can’t showcase the possibilities and demonstrate our abilities by sitting on the sidelines,” said George Sowa, Greater Trenton’s Founding CEO. “Developing this proposal has been a great opportunity to collaborate with residents, public and private officials and continues our efforts to change the dialogue, broaden expectations and consider positive outcomes as they relate to the City of Trenton and its untapped potential for economic growth and revitalization.”

The plan submitted by Greater Trenton in conjunction with the City of Trenton and Mercer County, showcases 14.3 million square feet of highly transit-orientated mixed-use development among  five interconnected campuses in the city that includes office, residential, parking and retail space. The plan concentrates development at the Trenton Transit Center and creates a linear-connected campus by incorporating opportunities along both of Trenton’s existing light rail stations. Further, the plan showcases development opportunities in Trenton’s downtown by connecting to, and through, the downtown to provide development and recreational activities utilizing the city’s extensive riverfront and network of parks. Linking the various campuses is achieved by creating a network of pedestrian and bike paths and enhancing existing highway connections. The vast majority of the proposed development is planned on properties that are publicly owned or owned by private development companies with a scale that respects neighboring, existing uses as well as Trenton’s 250 Master Plan.

“Trenton is open for business. That’s the message we’re sending not only to Amazon but to businesses of all sizes,” said Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson. “This is an opportunity for Trenton’s residents and businesses to benefit from employment and business with a major international company and to enjoy the many improvements and enhancements planned throughout the city.  From properties to mass transit to access to recreational opportunities and the ability to employ our existing residents and to attract a talented workforce, our feeling is that the capital city has tremendous assets that fulfill Amazon’s requirements for a second corporate headquarters.  Greater Trenton has done an outstanding job serving the city as an expert resource, bringing together residents and key partners from the city, county and state level to develop this very exciting proposal.”

“We welcome the opportunity to accommodate Amazon in Mercer County and to have them benefit from our tremendous assets including our workforce, parks system and the Trenton-Mercer Airport.  We have all of the ingredients of success for companies of all sizes,” said Brian M. Hughes, Mercer County Executive.

“Amazon is looking for communities that think creatively about real estate options. And there’s no shortage of thinking outside of the box when it comes to this innovative proposal. That’s how positive change occurs,” agreed Bernie Flynn and Skip Cimino, Greater Trenton Co-Chairs. “Trenton is at the center of the New York City and Philadelphia markets with connectivity to Washington D.C.  Promoting and leveraging the many assets of the capital city, the region and identifying opportunities for smart growth speaks directly to Greater Trenton’s mission.”

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