Escambia County proposes Ensley beautification project on North Palafox and Johnson

Escambia County is asking for resident feedback on a proposed beautification project in Ensley that plans to break ground in March 2021. 

The District 3 Ensley Gateway Beautification Project is planned for the open parcel north of the intersection of North Palafox Street and East Johnson Avenue in the area that remained after the realignment of West Detroit Boulevard and East Johnson Avenue.

The proposed concept plan includes pedestrian walkways and seating walls that will provide a "passive use park" for neighbors. It will include shaded lawns, walking paths, seating areas, native landscaping and a transit stop that meets Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Planned at the intersection is a plaza, which will provide access to the existing safe pedestrian crosswalks.

The site concept proposes landscaping with native trees and grasses along a bioswale/rain garden that will handle stormwater in a low impact, natural, sustainable form.

A sidewalk running along North Palafox Street is also proposed to connect the site to an ECAT transit stop space. 

The project is an initiative of the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency.

The parcel of land in Ensley is immediately surrounded by multiple churches, auto shops and a convenience store. It is fairly far removed from residential areas, which are located on either side about two to three blocks out from the area of proposed construction. 

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The public can view the preliminary design concepts for the Ensley Gateway Beautification Project at myescambia.com, where people can provide their comments. The public comment period is open now and through Sept. 30.

Public comments can be submitted in the following ways:

• Email: ensleygateway@gmail.com
• Mail: Atkins, 2114 Airport Blvd., Suite 1450, Pensacola, Florida 32504
• Phone: 850-378-6961

According to the county, the project aims to be completed by the end of August 2021. 

Jake Newby can be reached at jnewby@pnj.com or 850-435-8538.