JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – People on Jacksonville’s east side want to make sure their voices are heard as the city decides what to do with the millions of dollars originally earmarked for their community.
The $94 million was deducted from the Community Benefits Agreement portion of the Jaguars’ stadium contract earlier this year.
Eastside residents say investment in their community is long overdue.
RELATED: “We deserve it”: Eastside residents hope the deal with the “Community Benefits Agreement” will work
At least half a dozen of them spoke at the Jacksonville City Council meeting Tuesday night, and all of the speakers said they were in favor of spending the money to improve the Eastside.
“Let’s make history. Let’s pass this CBA. Help us turn our neighborhood into a community,” said one Eastside resident. “One of our great scholars once said, ‘Your neighborhood is like a bucket with a hole in it.’ A neighborhood is just where you eat and sleep. A community, however, is where you keep your valuables.”
Another resident called it an “incredible opportunity” to invest in a “groundbreaking and fiscally responsible” project.
“In fact, the city saves money by sharing it,” they said. “Investing in homelessness is proven to save money.”
When the City Council approved the stadium contract in June, part of the Community Benefits Agreement was included, but $94 million was set aside for later resolution.
At the time, there were concerns about conflicts of interest because some council members were working with groups that could potentially benefit from the money.
The current plan calls for investing $30 million over three years to improve the Eastside.
A special committee of the city council will make a recommendation on how to divide the remaining money by the end of the month.
Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
