Jackson Council Postpones Vote on Proposed Pearl River Casino Resort

Jackson city leaders have delayed a decision on a land deal that could one day bring a major casino resort to the Pearl River in Mississippi. Jackson Delays Decision on $111K Land Deal for Proposed Resort Jackson City Council delayed a request from Mayor John Horhn to declare about 93 acres of city-owned property as surplus land and to approve an option agreement with LeFleur Development LLC. It is not yet known when the vote will be held, as reported by WLBT. LeFleur wants to buy the site for around $111,000 and attract a developer for a resort project that could be worth as much as $1 billion. One possibility is a casino, though officials have emphasized other kinds of development could also be considered. The location being proposed is on the Pearl River between Fortification Street and the J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Plant. A small section spills over into neighboring Flowood. Most of the property is low-lying and wooded and sits in a federal flood-risk area. Jackson got two appraisals in March. One put the property’s value at $112,000 and the other at $110,000. Accordingly, the suggested purchase price is near the land’s present appraised value. Some council members, though, questioned whether the property could be worth much more if state lawmakers allow casino gambling in Jackson. They also asked for more information on how the city came to choose LeFleur and whether other development opportunities had been considered. Under the proposed deal, LeFleur would pay $1,000 for an option that would run until October 31, 2027. The company could extend the agreement through October 2031 by paying $2,000 annually. Jackson Casino Plan Could Bring $24M in Annual Tax Revenue City Attorney Drew Martin said the proposed contract has safeguards to protect Jackson. The city could terminate the option before LeFleur exercises it. The agreement would also allow the property to return to city ownership if development does not proceed. LeFleur representative William Richardson has estimated that a completed project could generate up to $24 million annually in additional sales and property taxes. He also projected about 2,600 direct jobs. Those estimates have attracted attention as Jackson faces financial difficulties. The city reduced its 2026 budget by roughly $26 million after dealing with revenue shortfalls. The proposal still faces a major obstacle beyond the council. Mississippi lawmakers would need to change state law before a casino could operate in Jackson. Previous attempts to authorize gambling along the Pearl River have failed, including legislation introduced in 2025. Council member Kenneth Stokes questioned whether the Legislature would support such a change. He also raised the possibility of opposition from established casino markets elsewhere in Mississippi. Representative Chris Bell, who sponsored the 2025 legislation, has indicated that he intends to continue pursuing a Jackson casino proposal. His earlier plan included economic development measures involving healthcare, education, infrastructure, and business incentives. Jackson has done a casino project before. A proposed resort called Xanadu was discussed in the 1990s but never received legislative approval.