The deadline for short-term leaseholders to vacate The Jacksonville Landing was at 5 p.m. Friday, but in the waning hours tenant were weighing a new offer from the city in lieu of relocation assistance.
The city offered a temporary holdover agreement that gives remaining businesses until 4 p.m. on June 7 to leave the property.
Tenants had until 5 p.m. Thursday to sign the holdover that also forgives or refunds their May rent.
City Council set aside $1.5 million in March for tenant relocation assistance when it approved the city’s purchase of the Landing. To date, city officials say about $871,333 has been allocated.
The city took ownership of the Landing from Sleiman Enterprises on May 1 in a $15 million legal settlement.
According to Director of Public Affairs Nikki Kimbleton, the allocated money includes about $15,000 in security deposits that will be reimbursed.
An expanded version of this story that includes interviews with some tenants is at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
