‘I want us to go into this levelheaded:’ Community weighs in on Jacksonville Jaguars’ plans to develop the Shipyards

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For the first time, we’re hearing from the community about the Jacksonville Jaguars’ development plans for the Shipyards.

The Jaguars held their first of 14 community huddles at the library in Arlington Tuesday night.

It’s a project that some believe could revolutionize downtown Jacksonville.

“I think right now Jacksonville is on the cusp of becoming the bold new city of the south and I think we need to grab this and go for it,” says a local realtor.

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While others aren’t quite sold yet.

“I want us to go into this levelheaded, thinking about all the issues that are involved here and I’ll get swept away by beautiful pictures,” says one woman.

Tuesday, the Jaguars shared their plans, their vision for the Shipyards, specifically phase one.

A multi-million dollar project that includes a Four Seasons hotel, marina — which will remain public, and an office building.

One of the biggest concerns voiced was public access to this land that’s currently owned by the city.

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“Public access does not mean a hotel, think about who the intended audience for these projects is.”

Mark Lamping of the Jaguars responded in part saying, “The access goes right in front of the hotel. It’s actually a very wide Riverwalk, it’s about 50 feet wide. As you go in front of the Four Seasons and all of this is public access.”

Others having no qualms, just hoping for a green light this time around.

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“Who is in our way of getting this thing done?” says one man.

The Jaguars also went on to discuss their plans for a state-of-the-art practice facility, which if passed would be split down the middle in costs from the Jags and the City of Jacksonville.

Lamping explained how this facility could be used for other things in the community like kids camps, events and more.

Right now, the Downtown Investment Authority is reviewing the plans for phase one.

While asking why we should invest as a city, Lamping responded by saying, “If you believe a public role in a project is ultimately going to benefit the community, then there is a reason to support it, if you don’t think it’s going to benefit the community from an economic standpoint. That judgment is going to be made through DIA, through the review process, and they will make the recommendation and then that decision will be made by the City Council.”

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