Amazon Is Said Near Plan for HQ2 in New York and Virginia

Amazon’s yearlong search for a second headquarters is nearing an end, people with knowledge of the matter said, according to Bloomberg.

The e-commerce giant is close to agreements that would split the new headquarters between two locales, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified discussing non-public matters. One will be the Crystal City area of Arlington, in Northern Virginia, two people said. Another will be Long Island City, in the New York borough of Queens, other people said.

The New York Times earlier reported that Amazon was near a deal to pick Long Island City, and the Wall Street Journal earlier reported that Amazon will choose two locations after deciding that one location lacked sufficient technology talent. The Washington Post had previously reported that Amazon was in advanced talks to locate its second headquarters in Crystal City, which is across the Potomac River from Washington.

Amazon has fueled an economic boom in its hometown of Seattle, where it is also often blamed for traffic problems and skyrocketing housing costs that squeeze some residents out of the city. By choosing more than a single location, it may be seeking to avoid criticism that its arrival will burden local infrastructure.