JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Members of the Together Eastside Coalition called for more transparency and oversight of redevelopment money flowing into Jacksonville’s Eastside, claiming funds intended to uplift the community are being mismanaged.
During a press conference Monday, the group accused Lift Jax — one of the lead organizations overseeing Eastside revitalization efforts — of funneling money through a network of nonprofits and LLCs, including some for-profit entities. Coalition leaders said those funds aren’t reaching residents or improving living conditions in the neighborhood.
“They’re profiting off poverty,” said Together Eastside Coalition Vice President Latavia Harris. “How can you expect a disenfranchised, under-resourced community — one that hasn’t had funding in years — to compete with some of the biggest hitters on these boards?”
Residents pointed to aging apartment complexes on 1st and 7th streets that they say remain in poor condition, with persistent plumbing problems, mold, and code violations — despite millions of redevelopment dollars being allocated to the area.
The coalition asked City Council to consider adopting a two-phase model for distributing Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) money. The proposal would give the city greater oversight before private organizations receive control of the funds.
“We’re not against progress,” Harris said. “We just want it done right, with accountability and transparency.”
The city has committed more than $40 million over the next seven years for the Eastside CBA as part of the Jaguars’ stadium renovation deal. The funding is designated for affordable housing, economic development, and homelessness prevention.
In a statement to News4JAX, Lift Jax said it supports community oversight and transparency in how CBA funds are managed.
“LIFT JAX is a member of a 30-person coalition of residents, business and faith leaders, and more,” the organization said. “The Coalition supports community input, transparency, and feedback for the Eastside CBA. The CBA funding and governance structure is in the process of being approved by City Council.”
Addressing concerns that money isn’t reaching residents, Lift Jax said it works closely with Eastside neighbors to identify and carry out projects across four main priorities: community wellness, mixed-income housing, cradle-to-career education, and long-term financial vitality.
“By listening to residents’ and business owners’ needs, LIFT JAX determines projects such as critical housing repairs to keep residents in safe homes, bringing the Historic Debs Store back to the neighborhood to eliminate a food desert, renovating neighborhood parks, and much more,” the statement said.
The group also explained the urgency behind moving forward with this round of funding, saying City Council has already allocated funds in its 2025–2026 budget for the Eastside Community Benefits Agreement.
“While the CBA funding and governance structure is in the process of being approved by City Council, this funding can be used this year for neighborhood revitalization,” the organization said.
As for ongoing concerns about the Boylan and Townsend Flats apartments on 1st and 7th streets, Lift Jax said it has been making steady improvements since 2023.
“Investments at the properties have focused on addressing resident needs,” the statement reads. “Improvements include in-unit renovations like new flooring, paint and plumbing, kitchen and bathroom updates, new windows in all units, replacement of 70% of air conditioning units, full-time on-site property management, exterior paint, façade improvements, and security enhancements.”
The next CBA meeting is on Nov. 13 at 10 am.