With Amazon confirming today that it will build part of its HQ2 in Long Island City, Westchester wins through osmosis; the door now opens for other New Economy businesses to follow. We just need them to cross the city line and think Westchester. And they might, provided we give them what they need.
New Economy companies, existing businesses, healthcare providers, and entertainment outlets need a large digital workforce and the right digital infrastructure, let alone space, amenities, and new forms of transportation. So, it is critically important to ready our communities and to move quickly.
For starters, we need to take a hard look at our infrastructure—in particular, high-speed digital communications—to ensure that companies like Amazon can connect seamlessly with the tech workforce. Greater investment in fiber assets and a systematic deployment of small cell technology to allow for better cell coverage are important next steps.
Westchester, it’s time to take your shot.