Jacksonville City Council backs gas tax increase on 13-6 vote but final tally could change

Jacksonville City Council leaned in favor Wednesday of approving a gas tax increase when the first round of votes showed 13-6 support for the measure that will get a final up-or-down verdict next week. If the 13-6 margin holds up when the council convenes in another special meeting on May 26, it would be above the requirement that at least 11 of 19 council members back the legislation for the tax increase to happen.

But three council members — Michael Boylan, Randy DeFoor and Terrance Freeman —prefaced their “yes” votes by saying they continue to evaluate the legislation and get feedback from constituents.

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Source: Jacksonville Daily Record

Downtown Investment Authority staff recommends a $8.28 million loan for the $60.8 million project.

Atlanta-based Columbia Ventures LLC could receive $893,883 less than requested in city incentives for a $60.8 million plan to convert the historic Union Terminal Warehouse to apartments.

In its report, DIA staff said only $52.9 million of the project costs are eligible expenses under the program resulting in the lower incentives offer. The report says that $7.9 million comprise developer fees, expected tenant improvements and reserves.

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Source: Jacksonville Daily Record

Columbia Ventures is seeking $9.2 million in city incentives for the mixed-use project with 228 apartments.

Atlanta-based Columbia Ventures LLC is negotiating with the city for $9.2 million in gap funding for its proposed $61 million adaptive reuse of the historic Union Terminal Warehouse near Jacksonville’s Eastside.

A statement April 15 by Columbia and documents it submitted to the Downtown Investment Authority outline a 228-unit mixed-use redevelopment of the 108-year-old warehouse at 700 E. Union St. …

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Source: Jacksonville Daily Record