Jacksonville is buzzing about plans unveiled this week by Jaguars owner Shad Khan to transform Downtown. It’s a massive entertainment, residential and business district along the North Bank of the St. Johns River.
Khan’s is far from the first proposal for the former shipyards property, and most have failed. But Jacksonville Business Journal Editor John Burr says he’s optimistic this time will be different.
“It is certainly the most ambitious plan yet, and there’s no doubt that Shad Khan can get it done. This is really going to be a referendum on Jacksonville and what does Jacksonville want to be when it grows up," Burr said.
He says it remains to be seen how much of the project Shan intends to fund himself and how much will be requested of Jacksonville taxpayers. He adds it’s likely such a large issue will be put to a vote by the city’s residents.
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