City leaders hold off on vote that could lead to billion-dollar resort, casino on Pearl River
Jackson City Council tabled a vote on selling 93 acres along the Pearl River for a potential billion-dollar resort and casino.Summary
The Jackson City Council tabled a request from Mayor John Horhn to declare about 93 acres along the Pearl River as surplus and execute an option to sell the land to LeFleur Development LLC for roughly $111,000. The group proposes a resort development and casino that could generate up to $24 million annually in new sales and property taxes and create 2,600 direct jobs. Some council members, including Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote, worried the land was priced too low and questioned what would happen if the state did not approve a casino. The land, located between Fortification Street and the J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Plant, was appraised at $110,000 to $112,000 in March 2026. LeFleur would pay $1,000 for a one-year option, extendable to 2031 for $2,000 per year. Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes supported the idea but noted a similar 1990s project called Xanadu was blocked by lawmakers. Rep. Chris Bell, who authored legislation allowing a Jackson casino last year, said delaying the vote risks giving up a "half-billion investment in Jackson" and that a similar bill next year would face an uphill battle in the Senate but could include incentives for the University of Mississippi Medical Center cancer clinic, Jackson State University stadium, businesses, and tax rebates. City attorney Drew Martin said the city followed the law, the property has been unused for about 40 years, and the contract includes protections such as a cancelable option and reverter clauses. It is unknown when the matter will be brought up for another vote.
(Source：Wlbt)