Arlington County Council approves Amazon incentives package

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The Arlington County Council voted today to approve an incentives package worth tens of millions of dollars for Amazon - but not before residents will have a chance to make their voices heard.

The online retail and tech giant has already received $750 million from the state of Virginia, and the county must now approves its own estimated $23 million in incentives.

Critics call the benefits a handout to one of the world's largest companies.

Nevertheless, the package is expected to win approval.

The money would come from hotel revenue, which would be collected over the next 15 years.

The county would also set aside $28 million for infrastructure projects.

Business leaders say it's a small price to pay for the 25,000 to 38,000 jobs the company has promised to create, and the $320 million in tax revenue it's expected to create over that same period.

Activists say that Amazon should be more involved in public hearings, and many are worried about the impact on housing costs and infrastructure in the area.

A demonstration against Amazon is slated for noon.

The public hearing was held at 1 p.m.