Jacksonville’s community development director admits it’s a long shot for the city to get a Star Bond District for the former Jacksonville Developmental Center grounds.
The city council Monday night voted to pass a resolution that shows intent for Jacksonville to consider the establishment of a sales tax and revenue Star Bond District.
Brian Nyberg says Jacksonville and Springfield are in direct competition for the designation.
Nyberg says an indoor water park would be a good example as a tourism or recreation draw.
He says other possibilities include an indoor soccer facility.
Nyberg says the application must be something tied to recreation or tourism.
There is $30-million available for STAR Bond Districts, and the state has matching funds.
He says this is a long term project, and final development would be several years away. But the city must have the application in early next year.