Harry Williams is a pastor who believes in “taking the sanctuary into the streets” so he didn’t hesitate when Mayor Donna Deegan’s office called about using his church in the Eastside neighborhood for a ceremony marking a $300 million community benefits agreement between the city and the Jaguars .
In the Word International Church has been active in the community, also called Out East, by building six homes for a neighborhood that has suffered decades of population drain.
Between the city and the Jaguars, the community benefits agreement will channel $115 million into the Eastside, the historic Black community just north of the sports complex. The city will spend its share over seven years while the Jaguars will contribute over 30 years as part of the biggest community improvement program between any city and NFL team.
After Deegan signed legislation Friday finalizing the city’s contribution , Wilson said he hopes it will bring a surge in affordable homes so Out East residents who want new homes don’t have to move away. And he wants to see successful businesses “on the corner” by adding to what’s already there.