Mayor embraces downtown improvement report
Hayward says it would be premature to decide DIB’s fate
Written by Nate Monroe
Dec 7, 2012
In remarks at a Friday news conference that mirrored the pro-growth theme he has trumpeted since his election two years ago, Mayor Ashton Hayward embraced a new report on policy proposals and recommendations aimed at improving Pensacola’s urban core.
The Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee, which Hayward formed in February, proposed a list of 75 recommendations and 50 action items that span a variety of issues — from aggressively pursuing a national grocery chain to open a downtown location and building more bike routes and walkways.
“Many of the recommendations in this report are common sense suggestions that we can begin working on now,” Hayward said during his remarks at Plaza de Luna in front of about 75 officials, business owners and residents. “Others require due diligence and careful consideration.”
The URAC’s recommendation to significantly downsize the Downtown Improvement Board is among the issues Hayward said he would have to pursue after more research.
It’s a suggestion that already has received much attention and stirred passion among the business owners and residents who live or work within the DIB’s 44-block area.
DIB change
Although the mayor’s position could have sway in the ultimate fate of the DIB, neither he nor the council has the authority to dissolve the agency created by statute in 1972.
But the report recommended asking the DIB board to voluntarily reduce its five-member staff into a single clerical position housed within City Hall.
Although Hayward said he had not made up his own mind about the merits of the DIB recommendation, his comments reflected a willingness to support some form of change for the organization.
“Any decision would be premature,” he said. “But one thing is clear: Government is dynamic. It must evolve to meet the changing needs of its constituents and environment.”
He also indicated that he differs from the committee’s recommendation in at least one way.
Even if he does ultimately support a call for the DIB to downsize, Hayward said he would prefer a professional, executive-level employee over a clerical one.