The Jacksonville Jaguars claimed the passage of $233 million in public funds for the Lot J development is critical for the Jaguars’ future in Jacksonville.
The entertainment district, Lot J, purposed to be built on a parking lot adjacent to TIAA Bank Stadium. Jaguars and Baltimore, Maryland-based The Cordish Companies plan to develop the district through a $233 million city incentives package.
The tension began during a debate on changes to the city’s investment in the project. Leading to comments about the Jaguars’ ability to relocate. Jaguars President Mark Lamping says the Jaguars are a free agent team since 2012. Jaguars Lawyer Paul Harden expressed similar sentiments to the council, “Don’t you think for one-minute people haven’t encouraged (Khan)” to look at former NFL cities like St. Louis. “He likes Jacksonville,” Harden said.
Jaguars executives’ comments to the Jacksonville City Council, Tuesday expressed Khan could relocate the franchise without a Lot J public funds’ passage. The City Council of Jacksonville postponed a vote for the entertainment district until early January 2021.
City officials are requesting a lease extension in return for public financing of Lot J. According to Lamping, the NFL owners must approve a lease extension after a TIAA Bank Stadium major renovation.
Update: The Lot J project is now dead after, the Jacksonville City Council failed to reach a 13-vote majority on January 12. Jaguars President Mark Lamping said the Jaguars’ focus has shifted to the Shipyards project near TIAA Bank Stadium.
