Pensacola CRA Advances $695,000 Bayou District Contract for Former Baptist Hospital Campus

Pensacola, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- A controversial consulting firm could return to work on redevelopment of Pensacola's former Baptist Hospital campus after receiving a recommendation from the city's Community Redevelopment Agency.

The CRA voted 5-1 Monday to recommend a $695,000 development-advisory contract with Bayou District Consulting.

The company was at the center of significant public opposition during an earlier redevelopment proposal for the property.

That opposition resurfaced Monday. Residents Harper Cummings and Girasol Alfonso urged the CRA to reject Bayou District, raising concerns about the company's previous work and its earlier involvement in discussions surrounding the Baptist property.

CRA Chairman Delarian Wiggins defended the latest selection process and encouraged Bayou District representatives to directly involve opponents in future community discussions.

City officials also stressed that the new proposal is different from the one considered previously.

Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier said the earlier process left open the possibility that the consultant could eventually become the project's developer.

The new contract, she said, is strictly for consulting.

Bayou District principal Jerry Beruse told the CRA that the firm's job would be to meet with residents, city officials and other stakeholders and determine what redevelopment concepts are feasible for the property.

Any eventual selection of a developer would come through a separate process.

Before considering the contract, the CRA unanimously recommended shifting $395,000 from a Westside façade-improvement program to complete funding for the consulting work.

The Bayou District contract still requires City Council approval.