The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
50°F
Current Conditions
Few clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

Amazon halts Seattle construction project ahead of tax vote

In this Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, file photo, large spheres take shape in front of an existing Amazon building, behind, as new construction continues across the street in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson / AP)
Associated Press

SEATTLE – Amazon says it has halted construction planning on a high-rise building in Seattle while it awaits the outcome of a city proposal to tax worker hours.

The City Council is considering a proposed “head tax” on high-grossing businesses to raise about $75 million annually for affordable housing and homelessness services. Amazon would pay more than $20 million under the proposal.

Supporters say businesses that have benefited from Seattle’s economic boom should help pay for solutions.

Amazon vice president Drew Herdener said in a statement Wednesday the company has put on hold construction planning for the building pending a council vote on the tax and is evaluating options to sub-lease space in another downtown building.

Together they would accommodate about 7,000 new Amazon jobs.

The Seattle Times first reported the news.