Eastside residents worry about Stadium of the Future funds.

Concerns Grow Over Community Spending in Jacksonville’s Eastside

Jacksonville, Fla. – A groundbreaking investment of $1.4 billion is set to transform Jacksonville’s Eastside through the “Stadium of the Future” initiative. However, many residents are expressing **deep-seated concerns** about how the promised funds will be allocated and the potential impact on their cherished community.

Understanding the Investment: The Community Benefits Agreement

The ambitious stadium project includes an impressive **$115 million earmarked for revitalization** via a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). This financial commitment aims to uplift the historic Eastside neighborhood, which is a mere stone’s throw from the bustling EverBank Stadium. Yet, as the first tranche of **$40 million** in city funds approaches disbursement this fall, citizens are calling for **greater transparency** and a **more significant voice** in decision-making.

Voicing Concerns: The Community Speaks Up

“Let us see your CBA model,” stated Latavia Harris, an outspoken Eastside resident. “We deserve to know how this money will impact our community in the coming years.”

Harris, along with other residents, is advocating for **safeguards** that will protect long-term homeowners from escalating taxes and preserve the unique **cultural fabric** of the neighborhood. “We’re not against change — we just want to ensure our community remains as it has always been,” she emphasized.

The Council’s Role: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency

Councilman Jimmy Peluso, representing the Eastside, acknowledges the community’s concerns. He emphasizes that the CBA process is still in development, with commitments made to guarantee at least **$4 million annually** dedicated to the Eastside over the next seven years, totaling **$40 million**. “We have been actively collaborating with community members to finalize how this funding will be structured,” Peluso remarked.

RELATED: ‘We want to be a part of it’: Eastside community gathers to shape future of Community Benefits Agreement

Independent Oversight: A Path Towards Trust

An independent, **nine-member board** will oversee the allocation of these funds, comprising **Eastside residents**, city officials, and representatives from the Jacksonville Jaguars. This board is tasked with making financial decisions aimed at benefiting not just the Eastside, but the entire county. Peluso assured that the funds would be **audited annually** to ensure accountability.

“The board will determine how the money is spent based on the community’s needs,” he explained. “This level of oversight will help maintain transparency.”

Looking Ahead: A Collective Vision for the Future

City Councilman Raul Arias, chair of the CBA’s special committee, echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing that the CBA’s framework is intended to be inclusive of the entire county. “The goal here is to serve not just the Eastside but the broader Jacksonville community,” he stated.

As CBA meetings remain paused to accommodate the city’s budget finalization, residents are resolute in their pursuit of **active participation** in the funding process. The demand for fairness and transparency remains at the forefront of community dialogues.

RELATED: Eastside residents make case for City Council to invest CBA money in their community

A Call for Unity: The Community’s Future

The residents’ determination resonates, as they collectively express their desire for a community that is treated with respect and fairness. “I just want to see my community treated fairly again,” lamented Harris, encapsulating the community’s hopes.

As Jacksonville embarks on this transformative journey, **the Eastside’s future hangs in the balance,** contingent upon the community’s involvement and vigilant oversight. This neighborhood, with its rich history, deserves nothing less than a thoughtful and inclusive approach to its revitalization.