Jackson City Council Postpones Decision on Pearl River Land Option for Proposed $1 Billion Resort
The Jackson City Council delayed a vote on a $111,000 land option with LeFleur Development LLC for 93 acres along the Pearl River that could host a $1 billion resort including a casino. The deal offers city safeguards and projects $24 million in annual taxes plus 2,600 jobs, but requires state law changes after past failures. Jackson faces a $26 million budget cut amid ongoing financial strain.
SCCG Take — This delay reflects deep legislative and local skepticism that has blocked Jackson casino proposals for decades. Operators monitoring Mississippi expansion should track Bell’s renewed efforts, as approval would unlock new market access but faces entrenched opposition.
Jackson city leaders have delayed action on a land deal that could pave the way for a major resort development, potentially including a casino, along the Pearl River in Mississippi. The Jackson City Council postponed Mayor John Horhn’s request to declare approximately 93 acres of city-owned property as surplus and approve an option agreement with LeFleur Development LLC. It is not yet known when the council will take up the matter.
Terms of the Proposed Agreement with LeFleur Development LLC
LeFleur seeks to purchase the site for around $111,000, with two appraisals conducted in March valuing the land at $112,000 and $110,000. The location lies between Fortification Street and the J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Plant, mostly low-lying wooded area in a federal flood-risk zone, with a small section extending into Flowood. Under the option, LeFleur would pay $1,000 for rights through October 31, 2027, extendable to October 2031 with $2,000 annual payments.
City Attorney Drew Martin said the proposed contract includes safeguards allowing Jackson to terminate the option or reclaim the property if development does not proceed. LeFleur representative William Richardson estimated a completed resort project could generate up to $24 million annually in additional sales and property taxes while creating about 2,600 direct jobs. Some council members questioned the selection of LeFleur and whether other developers were considered, particularly if state lawmakers permit casino gambling in Jackson.
Legislative Hurdles and Jackson’s Financial Pressures
Any casino component would require Mississippi lawmakers to change state law, following the failure of prior efforts including 2025 legislation. Council member Kenneth Stokes questioned whether the Legislature would approve such a shift and noted likely opposition from established casino markets elsewhere in the state. Representative Chris Bell, sponsor of the 2025 bill, plans to continue advancing a Jackson casino proposal that incorporates healthcare, education, infrastructure and business incentives.
The estimates have drawn interest as Jackson faces financial difficulties, reducing its 2026 budget by roughly $26 million after revenue shortfalls. A prior casino resort proposal called Xanadu was discussed in the 1990s but never secured legislative approval. As first reported by GamblingNews, the current plan emphasizes that other development types beyond a casino remain under consideration.
Reporting: GamblingNews
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