Community groups call for more scrutiny on Amazon deal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Community organizers, labor unions and a Seattle councilperson say Nashville's deal with Amazon to build a downtown operations hub needs better scrutiny.
During a town hall meeting on Friday, leaders discussed what the company's proposed project could mean for the city.
Seattle Councilwoman Teresa Mosqueda warned income inequality and lack of affordable housing has skyrocketed since Amazon launched its Seattle headquarters.
Mosqueda says cities considering having Amazon move in should enact protections in place now before it is too late.
Amazon has promised to invest $230 million-plus to locate its Operations Center of Excellence in Nashville Yards, a 15-acre (6-hectare), mixed-use downtown development still under construction in the southern city. Nashville is set to become the eastern U.S. hub for Amazon's retail operations division, with hiring to begin next year.