As Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan focuses on the proposed mixed-use development of Lot J next to TIAA Bank Field, the city is taking another step in the broader proposed development of the riverfront Metropolitan Park and the Shipyards next door.
City Council President Scott Wilson introduced Ordinance 2019-555 on behalf of Mayor Lenny Curry that refunds $1.72 million in unused grant money to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection intended for improvements along the St. Johns River linked to the park.
The bill also would give Curry the authority to terminate the agreement with FDEP.
Another Metropolitan Park stakeholder is the federal government.
The property is designated federal parkland and any private development has to be approved by the National Park Service. Specifically, a suitable replacement for Metropolitan Park in both location and acreage must be located.
Wilson said Tuesday that this legislation does not address the National Park Service requirement.
Curry said The Jacksonville Landing is not a possible replacement site for Metropolitan Park in an interview Aug 1.
“That is not happening,” Curry said.
Artist renderings of Khan’s proposed $450 million Lot J project show buildings in the Metropolitan Park space.