JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The owner of the historic trio of buildings in downtown Jacksonville, known as the 'Laura Street Trio,' wants to sell it. This, according to Jacksonville City Council Vice President Kevin Carrico, who was present during a special city council committee meeting Monday.
Paul Bertozzi, CEO of Live Oak Contracting, is interested in buying the property.
"We need a real estate transaction," Bertozzi said.
Before that can come to fruition, the liens need to be addressed. The city initially wanted the developer to pay $800,000 in code violation fees.
According to officials, liens are a rolling fine accumulated over the years. The buildings are dilapidated and covered in graffiti. The deal between the city and the owner of the set of buildings then fell through.
Councilman Carrico once expressed how optimism for the Laura Street Trio restoration project turned into frustration. He said Mayor Deegan's administration is jeopardizing the project and leaving the historic buildings to deteriorate.
Officials said the property value of the trio continues to drop and the risk on their side was too high. Mayor Deegan said it was time to move on.
During Monday's special committee meeting, Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. said they have a bill drafted that would waive the liens. Michael Weinstein, the city's chief of staff, said the city wants its $800,000 back and stands by the lawsuit.
"We're not in a posture to pull back the lawsuit nor waive any lien responsibilities," Weinstein explained to councilmembers. "That's where we are today."
Weinstein further noted that if city council moves forward with an action, they will oppose it.
Meanwhile, Bertozzi expressed his desire to have the trio purchased before Christmas. City council then tabled the discussion for Tuesday's city council meeting. The Laura Street Trio project would include building a hotel, retail and apartments.