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Community groups say, 'Amazon HQ2 Has No Home in Pgh'

PITTSBURGH — Community groups fighting against Pittsburgh’s proposal to become Amazon’s second headquarters held a rally Thursday.

Groups from the Amazon HQ2 bid sites, affordable housing advocates and others believe Amazon would have a negative impact.

WATCH: City of Pittsburgh releases heartwarming video for bid to lure Amazon

About 30 people voiced their concerns at the Convention Center downtown. They are also demanding transparency for the bid.

Pittsburgh officials put in a bid for Amazon HQ2 last year and was named one of the 20 finalists nationwide.

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Protesters are concerned acquiring HQ2 could have an impact on housing. Some residents have already been pushed out of East Liberty as that area undergoes gentrification and they are worried it could happen on a much larger scale.

"This will spark a massive housing crisis in Pittsburgh," said Laura Wiens. "We know this because the evidence shows in Seattle what has happened to the housing market is devastating."

City officials have said the expansion could bring 50,000 jobs and billions of dollars in investments.

11 Investigates' Rick Earle tracked down Mayor Bill Peduto after the rally to address some of the concerns from the rally.

"I don't want Boston to see it and then say, 'We will do the same thing.' This is a competition between 20 cities and there's a reason that the cities have left these proposals private," Peduto said. "(Not) until the selection process goes further along."

If Pittsburgh is chosen, the mayor said the details will be released and residents will have a chance to weigh in on it.