Special Committee on the Future of Downtown

Monday, May 11, 2026 9:30 AM City of Jacksonville 117 W. Duval Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 Meeting Minutes Council Chamber, 1st Floor, City Hall Special Committee on the Future of Downtown Council Member Joe Carlucci, Chair Council Member Ron Salem, Vice Chair Council Member Raul Arias Council Member Matt Carlucci Council Member Jimmy Peluso Legislative Asst: Rebecca Bolton Research: Colleen Hampsey Auditors: Phillip Peterson OGC: Carla Schell Special Committee on the Future of Downtown Meeting Minutes May 11, 2026 Meeting convened: 9:00 am Meeting adjourned: 10:29 am Attendance: Committee Members J. Carlucci (Chair), Salem, Carlucci and Peluso; Council Member Johnson Also: Carla Schell, OGC; Phillip Peterson, Auditor's Office; Brittany Norris, Mayor's Office; Colleen Hampsey, Council Research I. Call to Order & Introductions Chair J. Carlucci convened the meeting and called for introductions. II. Focus Area One – Laura Phillips Edgecombe • Recap of January 2026 • Recap of March 2026 • Purpose of May 2026 • Proposed Next Steps • 2025 State of Downtown Report Ms. Edgecombe provided an update on the endeavors to map and align the roles of all public space stakeholders and agencies downtown. She said there will be a full report to the Committee in June. Ms. Edgecombe recapped what was discussed in January regarding the identification of clear roles and responsibilities of entities providing services downtown, and the lack of an overall downtown strategy. She recapped what was discussed in March, regarding legislative steps and inter-agency workshops. Ms. Edgecombe said that meetings are ongoing with the Office of General Counsel and key stakeholders. Ms. Edgecombe mentioned the DVI annual State of Downtown report, recently released. CM Salem asked about downtown office vacancies. CM Carlucci said he has some ideas on that topic and asked to meet with Ms. Edgecombe after the meeting. Chair J. Carlucci asked about the status of the contract negotiations with Jax Riverfront Alliance. Mr. Joseph, Parks Director, said the contract is under review by OGC. Chair J. Carlucci asked about the inventory of residential units, which include roughly 6000 units completed or under construction. III. Downtown Parks – Daryl Joseph Page 1 of 4 Special Committee on the Future of Downtown Meeting Minutes May 11, 2026 • Open Houses • Construction • Openings • Events, Activations and Programming Mr. Joseph provided an update on downtown parks. He said there is an open house this week at Riverfront Plaza, and he mentioned the RFP for the cafe space. Mr. Joseph highlighted the good partnership with Gateway. He noted construction timelines for Shipyards West and Met Park, with expected completions in 2028 and 2027 respectively. CM Salem asked about the downtown park budget, and Mr. Joseph said the projects are on time and on budget. Mr. Joseph talked about events and park programs. Lezlee Peterzell-Bellanich, Jax Yacht Charter, was in attendance to speak about the 125-foot Royal Princess that offers both private charters and public cruises along the St. Johns River. Jax Yacht Charter is a private entity that contracts with the Parks Department for the use of marina space. Mr. Joseph talked about the successful Riverfront Easter event, with 32,000 eggs and more than 10,000 visitors. CM Peluso asked about the Riverwalk and suggested an overall Riverwalk plan with one contractor. CM Peluso asked Lezlee about the time that the yacht will be in dry dock, and she said maybe 2 weeks this summer. Chair J. Carlucci asked Ms. Schell about the status of legislation for the management of JWJ Park to convey to DVI, and the expanded BID geographic boundary. Ms. Schell indicated both items are in the works. IV. DIA – Colin Tarbert Page 2 of 4 Special Committee on the Future of Downtown Meeting Minutes May 11, 2026 • Downtown Development Legislation • Riverfront Plaza Restaurant Parcel • Gateway Jax Hotel Merrydelle • Parking Rates Update Mr. Tarbert talked about legislation related to the Downtown Economic Development Fund, and 2026-383 that would authorize DIA to impose and collect regulatory fees. He spoke about the evaluation of proposals for the restaurant parcel at Riverfront Plaza. Mr. Tarbert said that DIA received 2 proposals, from the Atlas Group and Prohibition Kitchen, and that the Atlas Group received the highest overall score. This item will be before the DIA Board on May 20. He talked about the redevelopment of the Ambassador Hotel, into a boutique hotel (Merrydelle). There will be an upcoming DPRP request of $10.1 million, with an estimated ROI of 1.82. This project will also be before the DIA Board May 20th. CM Salem asked about incentive funding for the N7 (Publix) project - $28.5 million, and the Baptist - $8 million and Merrydelle Hotels -$10.1 million. CM Peluso reiterated his suggestion that there be a restaurant in Riverfront Plaza, or a beer garden, but not both. CM Carlucci talked about the benefit of having a Publix downtown, where are not many grocery options. Chair J. Carlucci mentioned the high return on investment for the Merrydelle Hotel project, and the significant nature of the Atlas Group, from Baltimore, submitting a proposal for the restaurant parcel. The Committee discussed downtown parking. Mr. Tarbert talked about the revision of garage rates including updated event rates of $10 and $20 and a new $5 flat night and weekend rate. CM Salem talked about City fleet vehicles taking street spaces. Peter Sherwill, Parking Officer, said those vehicles have received warnings and now will receive citations. Mr. Tarbert assured the Committee that DIA is working on a plan for office vacancies downtown. Patrick Krechowski, DIA Board, talked about the City's participation at an Urban Land Institute event in Nashville, and he said the Board will be selecting a new chair in July. CM Johnson was in attendance to speak about his bill 2026-377, that will be introduced at the May 12th council meeting. The bill requires the Council Secretary/Director to submit a comprehensive report on the Downtown Entertainment District. It establishes required data elements, comparative analysis, analytical findings, operational impact assessments, stakeholder input, interagency coordination, report structure and format, and public presentation. CMs J. Carlucci and Salem asked to co-sponsor the bill. CM Peluso asked Mr. Tarbert about the permitting process and why there have been delays for the Real Ting Cafe seeking to have live music in the evenings. Page 3 of 4 Special Committee on the Future of Downtown Meeting Minutes May 11, 2026 V. Adjourn Chair J. Carlucci adjourned the meeting at 10:29 am. Minutes: Colleen Hampsey, Council Research CHampsey@coj.net 904.255.5151 Posted: 5.14.26 5:00 pm Page 4 of 4