JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The City of Jacksonville and the Jaguars will host their third community meeting Monday where residents will have a chance to give input on the proposed stadium renovation deal.
Mayor Donna Deegan and Mark Lamping, the President of the Jaguars, are expected to attend Monday’s meeting.
The third community “huddle” will be happening just four days after the last meeting at the Legends Center where residents voiced concerns about money.
RELATED | City Council president: ‘I was pleasantly surprised’ by Jags stadium renovation deal but financing questions remain | Jacksonville activist group comes out against stadium, jail plans, wants millions invested in ‘neglected parts of city’
“It’s just a lot of money that we’re going to have shell out. It’s money from taxpayers, and I just don’t think that a sports entertainment business should be given almost a quarter of a million dollars,” resident Doug Dulaney said.
Other residents voiced their support for the project.
“I was born and raised in Jacksonville, the Jaguars are my team, and the impact of how it impacts the city and bring in more money… it’s definitely something we need,” Samuel Clermont said.
The new Jaguars stadium is expected to cost $1.4 billion, with $1.25 billion of the cost split 50-50 between the city and the Jaguars. The remaining balance will be paid for with taxpayer dollars over the next four years.
Nothing is set in stone, but Mayor Donna Deegan said she’s optimistic about the proposed deal.
She spoke about it Sunday on This Week in Jacksonville.
“I feel great about it. It is a really good and fair deal for Jacksonville citizens, which we promised we would deliver for the Jaguars and really for the entire community,” Deegan said.
WATCH | This Week in Jacksonville: Mayor Deegan dives into the city’s stadium agreement with the Jaguars
The Jaguars and the city are offering a $300-million investment offer for community development in Jacksonville with this deal.
Here’s a breakdown:
- $50 million: Countywide Workforce Development/ Affordable Housing/ Homelessness
- $30 million: Eastside Workforce Development/ Affordable Housing/ Homelessness
- $10 million: Riverfront Plaza
- $12.5 million: Metro Park
- $8.7 million: Flexfield Park Upgrade
- $14 million: Countywide park improvements and recreation activities.
The Jaguars’ portion will provide $150 million equally over the course of 30 years.
They’ll also equally split the cost of Countywide Workforce Development and Eastside Workforce Development.
“So I have always felt that it was incredibly important. Whenever you have an opportunity like this. It’s what I said to the council the other night. It’s our opportunity to meet the moment,” Deegan said.
The third community huddle will be held at Fletcher High School from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday.
There will be two more community meetings after Monday’s.
Visit this website to learn about the times and locations for the last two community meetings.