JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Jacksonville city leaders are continuing to weigh a major development that could bring a Publix grocery store downtown, but not everyone agrees whether the price tag is worth it.<\/p>\n
At the center of the debate is a proposed $28.25 million completion grant. That money would come from the city to support a Gateway Jax project in Pearl Square. The Downtown Investment Authority says the city would only make that payment after the project is complete.<\/p>\n
During a Future of Downtown meeting on Tuesday, Downtown Investment Authority CEO Colin Tarbert reaffirmed what is currently on the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current incentives that were filed in the legislation is a 28.25 million dollar completion grant,\u201d Tarbert said.<\/p>\n
If approved, the development would bring a full-service Publix grocery store to downtown\u2019s NorthCore, along with a residential tower expected to include more than 250 apartments.<\/p>\n
Mayor Donna Deegan has signaled strong support for the project, calling it a priority compared to other incentives.<\/p>\n
\u201cOut of anything that we\u2019re giving completion grants for, that is the most important one because so much hinges on it,\u201d Deegan said.<\/p>\n
That support comes even as city leaders consider the potential impact of a statewide property tax referendum, which could affect future budgets if approved by voters.<\/p>\n
Still, some council members say they are focused on what is in front of them now.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot contingent on this project,\u201d said Councilman Jimmy Peluso, who represents the district.<\/p>\n
Peluso acknowledged concerns about future funding but said those decisions can come later.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not going to reach sixty percent, I don\u2019t think. If it does, those are decisions that we\u2019ve got to make long term,\u201d Peluso said. \u201cThese are conversations for much later. We have an opportunity right now to get this project done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other council members are already making it clear they are opposed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a no on this all the way through and I don\u2019t know where these idiots are thinking we\u2019re getting the money for this stuff,\u201d Councilman Rory Diamond said.<\/p>\n
Diamond said his position would not change even if the property tax referendum fails.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean it\u2019s a bad idea no matter what, but if the property tax cuts happens, which I think it will, then we\u2019ll literally be choosing between kids programs and giving money to Publix. It\u2019s ridiculous,\u201d Diamond said.<\/p>\n
The Downtown Investment Authority says demolition at the site could begin as soon as this year, and the project could take about 18 months to complete.<\/p>\n
It is still unclear when the full City Council will take up a vote on the proposed legislation.<\/p>\n
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