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Future of Jacksonville Landing in question after mass shooting

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — PHOTOS: Victims of Jacksonville Landing shooting

The mass shooting at the Jacksonville Landing is raising new questions about the once iconic landmark.

Action News Jax is asking city leaders if this is the final straw for the struggling area.

If the mayor’s office has its way, the Landing as we know it will be torn down and replaced with a park.

Jacksonville native Faye Green said she can’t remember the last time she went to the Landing.

“I haven’t been to the Landing in years,” said Green. “Just no reason to come down to the Landing. I mean, if the people are going to come down here, you’ve got to have stuff for the people to do.”

City Council President Aaron Bowman said he does not blame the Landing for what happened, but its owners should take this opportunity to give the property up.

“I think that for people who have not been thinking about the Landing, this will put it back on their minds, and say we need a place that people feel safe and happy,” said Bowman. “I think our ability to bring in the retailers to make it successful is very limited. So, I think it’s time for us to realize it was a plan that didn’t work, and it’s time to look in the future and do something different.”

In June, the city released a new rendering showing how it would change the Jacksonville Landing if it takes control of the property.

Mayor Lenny Curry is proposing a big park with bike paths and two buildings closer to the street for economic development.

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Earlier in June, the city sent Jacksonville Landing Investments, part of Sleiman Enterprises, an eviction notice.

In May, the city terminated the company’s lease there.

Sleiman Enterprises filed a countersuit against the city, saying it failed to provide security, parking and maintenance.

The Sleiman brothers’ assistant told Action News Jax none of them were at headquarters when we stopped by.

The public relations firm that represents Sleiman Enterprises said no one was doing interviews for now.

Mayor Curry’s spokespeople did not respond to Action News Jax’s request for an interview on Monday.