These must-have Insider Deal household items are at unbeatable prices!Currently, the $1.4 billion stadium renovation deal with the Jaguars also includes a $300 million Community Benefits Agreement, split evenly between the team and the city. The city would pay $150 million over four years, while the Jags would give $5 million a year over 30 years.“The mayor’s office and Councilmember White came to that compromise, and I’m very supportive of it. I was always supportive of the park part.
Part of the issue is that several council members work for organizations that could receive some of the $94 million in funding that would go toward workforce development, affordable housing and addressing homelessness. Separating that funding allows the maximum number of council members to vote on the stadium deal.
“I didn’t think it was right that five or maybe as many as six would have to abstain from voting,” White said. As it stands now, the CBA would go toward improving the Eastside neighborhood and community parks over the span of 30 years, among other initiatives like:$14 million spread among council districts$10.04 million to Riverfront Plaza on the old Jacksonville Landing siteWith the new proposal, much of the money for the Eastside community improvements would be removed from the stadium deal and would instead be taken up later in the summer.
Whether the amendment passes or fails in Thursday’s vote, a final vote on the overall stadium deal is expected next Tuesday.Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.