The American Planning Association (APA) has announced the designation of Palafox Street—from Wright Street to Pensacola Bay—as one of 10 Great Streets for 2013.
The honor is a testament to the Pensacola’s Historic Preservation, Architecture Review and Downtown Improvement boards and to the business and property owners along this great street – but also to city staff and the 2008 Pensacola City Council.
In the announcement, APA CEO Paul Farmer recognized the impact of opening up South Palafox to two-way traffic — which was a controversial decision five years ago.
APA CEO Paul Farmer, FAICP, said, “Planners also helped improve business activity along the street and enhanced Palafox as a successful entrance to downtown by converting the street back to a two-way thoroughfare.â€
The Pensacola City Council passed making Palafox two-way in October 2008. John Fogg was the mayor and the council included P.C. Wu, Sam Hall, Mike DeSorbo, Marty Donovan, John Jerralds, Jewel Cannada-Wynn, Ronald Townsend, Jack Nobles and Mike Wiggins. Tom Bonfield was the city manager. Kim Kimbrough was the DIB executive director.
Sometimes it takes years for a decision to have an impact and be recognized. That was one of those decisions.
