JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Monday night Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry sent a Twitter storm of messages calling on city council to make a decision on the development of Lot J.
Over 2 decades ago, we decided we wanted to be an @nfl City. It wasn’t easy. But we did it. Phase 1 of the decision to remain 1 has arrived. The Lot J development will send a big message to the team & NFL. I’m a yes as demonstrated by me introducing Lot J bill to city council.
— Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) December 1, 2020
Curry started the thread implying that if Jacksonville residents want to remain an NFL city, the Lot J deal would help. 90 minutes and 6 tweets later, Curry was also calling on voters to contact their city council member to let their voices be heard as well.
“Green button for yes. Red button for no. Either way, go on the board,” he said in his second tweet.
The Mayor made it clear he supports the Lot J deal and what is stands for. He pointed to local media for not advocating for the $450 million mixed-use development and called for a stop to the stalling.
“I’ve only heard 1 strong media voice speaking in favor of the importance of this deal for the city,” Curry wrote in his final tweet on the issue.
Jacksonville Councilmember Matt Carlucci was also on Twitter Monday night. He said the Lot J Development, Jaguars stadium upgrades and the Jags lease should be negotiated as one deal.
They appear to be separate issues. They are not. They are tied tightly together and should be negotiated as one deal.
— Matt Carlucci (@matt_carlucci) November 30, 2020
Carlucci went on to release five recommendations on how to move forward to assure transparency, accountability and public confidence.
Additionally, Carlucci is calling on the Downtown Investment Authority to conduct a market study on viability and sustainability. The DIA’s executive director is scheduled to make a recommendation to board members for a vote Wednesday.
The council is scheduled to vote on that recommendation at a special meeting Thursday with a final vote on December 8.
Before that council vote happens, the City Finance Committee will discuss several items related to Lot J Tuesday morning.