PENSACOLA, Fla. — The end of the old Baptist Hospital is bringing life to another concern. And that’s — what comes next?
Earlier this week, council members on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted to hire Bayou District Consulting, LLC, out of New Orleans, for the property.
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City council members voted to hold the item Thursday night. This decision was made after nearly two hours of residents voicing their concerns of gentrification and the health impacts they could face with redevelopment.
People of different ages and races stood firm on one message: “No to Bayou District.”
“We don’t want this,” said Gerald Graham. “If you’re listening, then Bayou District won’t be here.”
Locals say Bayou District Consulting’s track record is alarming.
“Bayou District was the company responsible for the forced displacement of thousands of Black residents that lived in the St. Bernard housing project after Hurricane Katrina,” Kalista Brown said.
Pensacola locals fear the same could happen here.
“…I stand here tonight, not to oppose redevelopment,” Shernita Wiggins-Wynder said. ” But to oppose displacement.”
The hospital was home to the city’s westside, an area residents say is vulnerable to the outcome of the demolition.
“The community around Baptist is a minority community, a predominantly Black community,” Girasol Alfonso said. “And now, you are threatening to gentrify their neighborhood.”
“My main concern is the demolition of the building and the fact that nobody’s talking about asbestos exposure,” Michelle Melancon said.
A representative with the company weighed in on the conversation.
“We are not here to develop,” the representative said. “We are coming here to use our experience and hopefully lend that to the city.”
One of the main concerns for residents and some council members — the need for community input. The idea is met with pushback until the end.
“You either choose to stand with the people you were elected to serve, or you choose to stand with the developers,” said Chonson Brummet.
Dozens of residents made their case to the council. For some council members, it was eye opening.
“The community has spoken,” said Wiggins. “They have spoken and I think it’s up to us to listen.”
Councilman Delarian Wiggins, along with other councilmembers, pulled back their support to move forward with Bayou District Consulting.
“Alright, so the item is pulled and we will move on to the next item,” Allison Patton said.
As of Thursday night, WEAR News does not know if the city will need to restart their search for a new consultant for the Baptist property redevelopment.
