RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Readers of WRAL TechWire and WRAL.com are very divided about whether they want Amazon to pick the Triangle for its HQ2 project. They also are split about the Triangle’s chance of winning the $5 billion investment bidding war that promises 50,000 jobs.
A readers’ poll, while not scientific, has been very popular since its launch earlier this year with close to 15,000 web readers and TV viewers participating. The responses also offer a window into how our readers really feel about the project, which has sparked protests in Chicago, an online petition against the bidding war joined by some politicians, and raised concerns of some residents in Atlanta.
The data also reflects responses The Skinny has gotten from attendees at several recent technology events. Most are positive about the benefits of winning Amazon HQ2, which leaders in RTP and the 19 other metro areas identified by Amazon as finalists clearly want with bidding going over $8 billion in benefits courtesy the state of Maryland.
On the specific question of “Do you want HQ2,” 61 percent of respondents chose “Yes, please.” However, 20 percent said “no way” and another 17 percent said they need to know more about the costs. Those readers said they wanted Amazon primarily because more companies would follow with others split between “we need jobs” and the project would “bring prestige.”
Perceived lack of public support for the project has been cited as a concern by some people familiar with the Amazon recruiting process.
When asked why Amazon shouldn’t pick the Triangle, 55 percent said traffic is already bad and population in the region was big enough. Another 37 percent said North Carolina should not offer tax incentives to private businesses. The remaining 5 percent said they didn’t believe the region’s labor force has the “right skills.”
Overall: RTP NO. 1
Asked if RTP would win, 15 percent chose “sure” while another 38 percent said the Triangle is as likely a choice as any other.
However, 45 percent chose “not a chance.”
In overall voting, the Triangle gets the nod – ever slightly – as the choice for the project with 22 percent of the vote.
TechWire’s Amazon HQ2 Derby, which asks visitors only to choose one locations, also has Raleigh in the lead, with a slight edge over Atlanta.
In our poll, voters lump New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. as the second choice at just under 20 percent.
Nashville and Atlanta come next at 19 percent with Dallas/Austin, Indianapolis/Denver and Los Angeles bringing up the rear.
The poll remains open. Please participate.
