Timeline Remains Unchanged as Construction Begins Next Week—
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves confirmed that the New Palafox Project timeline remains on track at his weekly press conference this morning.
Downtown businesses face two critical deadlines as construction approaches. Outdoor seating must be removed by Friday, Jan. 2, and vehicles parked on South Palafox Street need to be relocated by 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4. This will allow contractors to install fencing and prepare the construction zone for work beginning Monday, Jan. 5.
The mayor stressed that city officials have been communicating directly with downtown business owners to ensure everyone understands the timeline and requirements.
Free 24-Hour Parking
Mayor Reeves confirmed that parking will be free and unlimited throughout the project duration.
“The whole reason we’re doing it is to do what’s right for the small businesses downtown and to make it more attractive during a temporary time to bring people down there,” Reeves explained. “That’s our primary goal.”
The free parking policy remains flexible based on business owner feedback. The mayor has argued that a time limit might improve turnover of spots, but he has pledged to follow the business owners’ direction.
- “We will do our best to continue to be as nimble as possible and as flexible,” he stated. The administration may adjust policies if needed, potentially converting some spaces to two-hour limits if “squatting” becomes an issue.
Communication and Information Key
When asked about his relationship with downtown business owners amid the construction controversy, Mayor Reeves said, “I think, like many situations, almost all situations in this, getting the correct information and accurate information about exactly what’s going on, I think really was helpful for folks.”
- The mayor expressed confidence in the city’s comprehensive approach to helping businesses survive the construction. “I certainly feel confident that we’ve done everything that we can from a communication standpoint, from a mitigation standpoint, to do right by these businesses.”
Pensacola’s Approach Versus Other Cities
Reeves touted his administration’s support for downtown business compared to efforts in other cities undergoing similar infrastructure projects, particularly New Orleans.
- “I would put our effort and our resume, so to speak, of what we’re trying to do on Palafox Street up against any other infrastructure project that’s out there in any other city.”
He noted that New Orleans currently has approximately $118 million worth of street construction projects underway. “I don’t know what kind of mitigation they’re doing for businesses, but I can guarantee it in a fraction of a fraction of what we are attempting to do.”
Long-Term Benefits Worth Short-Term Pain
Reeves acknowledged that any infrastructure work would cause inconvenience, regardless of timing. “We either would have to decide to never work on Palafox Street ever again, so long that we wouldn’t inconvenience anybody, or that at some point you’re going to have to take a bite of the apple.”
- He compared the situation to the Community Maritime Park referendum fight, noting that opposition disappeared after people saw the finished product. “If you look at the vote before the stadium and you look at the vote after the stadium, you can’t find any of those 42% of people that didn’t want it.”
Reeves reminded reporters that sidewalks will remain open during construction, allowing pedestrian access to businesses throughout the project. He expressed hope that once citizens see improvements, concerns will fade.
“What I ask the citizens is to continue to support these small businesses. What’s important here is we want them to survive and thrive through this, so they get to reap the great benefit of better stormwater infrastructure, better pedestrian accessibility, better ADA accessibility that will all be good for those businesses moving forward.”