5 Questions for the Rev. John Powell, founder of Truth for Youth in Pensacola

Rev. John H. Powell. Photo by Tony Gilberson, Pensacola News Journal

By Rebecca Ross
Pensacola News Journal
March 19, 2011

The Rev. John Powell wants to give something back to the city he loves. Person by person, "on God's time," he hopes to improve Pensacola.

The 59-year-old pastor is the founder of Truth for Youth Inc., a nonprofit organization that has been providing youths community activities since 1993. Most recently, it has sponsored a weekly series of open mic events at The Belmont Building in downtown Pensacola.

There, Powell often can be found behind the drums, encouraging others to find the rhythm of success.

Q: What is the primary goal of Truth for Youth?
A: To keep in constant communication with our community and inform them of positive activities and social engagements that everybody can get involved with. We want people of all ages and races, whether they're on or off the streets, to know that there's a safe place where they can come.

Q: What are some of your current projects?
A: What we're really excited about is transforming the Belmont Building into a community center and a home for the arts, as well as other nonprofits. Our primary goal is to raise enough money to put a roof on the building and do some refurbishments. We think it will become a wonderful place for all ages to enjoy all kinds of activities. Our young people need a safe and structured environment that's open on the weekend, or at night, to help them stay out of trouble.

Q: What is missing from the lives of Pensacola's youths?
A: There's always been a missing mechanism in society; I call it an image. Without an image, a child or person can't aspire to be anything. They need someone to look up to and to inspire them. What we're trying to do is put good image-makers in front of them to help build their self-esteem and make them want to become worthwhile tax payers. You need to fill the void with something positive.

Q: What are some positive "void fillers"?
A: Music is a truly valuable resource. It's something you never lose, no matter how old you get. I find that if you put a musical instrument in a child's hands, they'll stop being so mischievous. And the better they get at performing, the more attention and respect they'll receive.

Q: How can adults help at-risk youths?
A: Be a role model. Our society rewards bad behavior far more than good behavior, and that needs to stop. All it takes is one person telling a child, "No, you can't do that," or "That is unacceptable." We forget that children crave guidance, rules and responsibility. Every young person needs someone they can respect.

Details: http://www.truthforyouth.org/

Truth For Youth, Inc. needs your help in RAISING THE ROOF!!! 

Truth For Youth is trying to raise money to build the Truth For Youth Learning & Resource Center. It will be a place for kids, young adults, and families to develop personal skills, receive training, learn a vocational trade, or participate in family-friendly activities. Please visit http://www.truthforyouth.org/ for insight on what Truth For Youth is trying to do. For any questions, please contact:

Rev. John Powell 850-393-0332

Belmont Youth Band performs at Movement for Change rally

 

Vivian Lamont, who heads up the Belmont Youth Band, will be one of the wonderful women who will be honored with an "Unsung Women in Our Community" award on March 29. Details:

Women's History Month Celebration and Recognition Dinner
"Our History Is Our Strength"
Guest Speaker:  Attorney Alisha McDonald

Tuesday, March 29, 2011  6:30pm
Pensacola Improv Event Center, 375 North Pace Blvd., Pensacola Florida 32501
Sponsored by:  Christian Women Interdenominational Ministries, Epps Christian Center, Inc. and Ecomfort, Inc
Donation:  $10.00 plus One CanFood or Perishable item for the Alan Feinstein Million Dollar Anti-Hunger Campaign.
For Reservations, call 572-5761 or email
Great Women that are impacting our Community will be recognized.  

People take a minute out for lunch served at the Movement for Change rally against violence Saturday afternoon at the Gonzalez Court Apartments on 9th Avenue.

(Looks like Vivian Lamont adding relish to her lunch plate.) Photo by Bruce Graner/PNJ

By Troy Moon
Pensacola News Journal
3/21/2011

Rasheed Dickens stared quietly down at his hands as they moved across the guitar, coaxing a lulling, quiet melody from the instrument he only picked up two years ago.

It was his own composition, one he wrote just hours earlier, and he called it "Absolute Peace.'' It was a perfect title for a performance meant to promote peace and nonviolence.

"In my mind, it's egos stepping on one another that's the major reason for the violence in society,'' the 15-year-old said after his performance at the Movement For Change Rally For Non-Violence on Saturday at Gonzalez Court off Ninth Avenue in Pensacola. "We need to find other outlets.''

Movement for Change, a local civil rights organization, held the all-day rally to urge the neighborhood and the entire Pensacola community to help steer youngsters away from violent activities. Speakers preached about the need for education and training. Police officers urged neighbors to help law enforcement drive criminal and violent elements from neighborhoods. Youth organization leaders tried to show there are positive activities for them in the community that will make them less susceptible to the negative.

Children from the Belmont Youth Band played "Amazing Grace'' on violin and guitar in the Gonzalez Court courtyard, while residents sat on plastic chairs in front of their homes listening as the melody floated through the neighborhood.

"See, things like this are good because the children see that there are adults and organizations that care for them and are looking out for them,'' said Jacqueline Jefferson, president of the Gonzalez Court Tenants Association. "I feel sorry because a lot of children don't have guidance at home. So we're fortunate that groups like Movement for Change are trying to keep them on the right path.''

Grant Spencer, left, holds sheet music for Adam Perez who plays his violin as part of the entertainment the Movement for Change rally against violence event held Saturday at the Gonzalez Court Apartments. Photo by Bruce Graner/PNJ

Grant Spencer holds the sheet music for Kiplin Smith, 9, while Adam Perez handles the microphone for Kiplin as she performs as part of the entertainment at the Movement for Change rally against violence Saturday afternoon at the Gonzalez Court Apartments. Photo by Bruce Graner/PNJ

(l-r)  Members of the Belmont Youth Band, Dutch Allen, 13, Sara Perry, 10, and Grant Spencer, 16, prepare to perform "Amazing Grace" as part of the entertainment at the Movement for Change rally against violence held Saturday at the Gonzalez Court Apartments. Photo by Bruce Graner/PNJ

Audience members attending the Movement for Change rally against violence listen to members of the Belmont Youth Band perform at the gathering Saturday afternoon at the Gonzalez Court Apartments. Photo by Bruce Graner/PNJ

Open mic nights give local musicians a time to shine

Video: Ric Kindle at an open mic at the Belmont Arts Center on Reus Street back in 2005.

Written by Rebecca Ross
Pensacola News Journal
March 20, 2011

It was a quiet Tuesday evening, but over on Reus Street, the thumping rhythm of guitar and drums drifted on the humid air. Open mic night at the Belmont Building was in full swing.

Inside the old brick structure, A.M. Rashad perched on a stool, performing a soulful version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" for a handful of listeners. Head bobbing to the beat, Marcus Robinson sat nearby, just feet from the sign-up sheet. The 21-year-old Pensacola resident brought his acoustic guitar along, but couldn't bring himself to perform.

"I'm just gonna listen," Robinson said, grinning. "I'm not ready."

Oh, well. Maybe another night.

Open mics are nothing new. For years, local bars and other venues have offered aspiring musicians — and a few tipsy dare takers — a shot at the spotlight.

Rashad, a Pensacola musician who performs as Acousta Folk, helps host the weekly "Tones and Bones" all-ages gathering at the Belmont Building. He sees the value in those few minutes of free stage time.

"You're giving local musicians a chance to come out and express themselves," he said. "It's good for them and it's good for the audience."

Presented by Truth for Youth, a nonprofit youth ministry, the easygoing evenings at the Belmont encourage amateurs and experts to mingle musically.
"Anybody can sign up and perform," Rashad said. "These young students learn something from us old-timers, and if we're paying attention, we learn something from them."

BY-LAWS OF THE BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Minutes of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association -- Mar 2, 2011 Meeting

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 2, 2011 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:35 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Dottie Dubuisson, Vivian Lamont, Diane Mack, Rev. Carl Reeves, Ann Hill, Neil Richards, Eddie Todd, Tony McCray, Danny Lewis, George Hawthorne, Alexa Canady-Davis, Sonja Evans, Rev. Eugene Franklin. Guests included City Councilman Ronald Townsend, Erica Douglas, director of case management at Southern Oaks Rehabilitation Center; Valerie Kendrick, community educator for the AmeriCorps Oil Spill VISTA Team, United Way; Gloria Horning, public information officer of BRACE (Be Ready Coordinating for Emergencies) and Kim Kimbrough of the Downtown Improvement Board.

Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves said (1) more police surveillance camera demonstrations can be arranged, including evening appointments if that’s more convenient to members. (2) The second public Town Hall meeting will be on the East Side from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 8 at the E.S. Cobb Center, 601 E. Mallory St. Dolores Curry noted that gang and drug activity has diminished on Jackson St. and increased on Gadsden between Coyle and DeVilliers.

Vivian Lamont announced that act, dance and sing in the Senior Follies will be held at the WSRE auditorium at Pensacola State College at 7 pm Friday, April 8, and at 2 pm Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10. Tickets are $12 and proceeds benefit senior citizens organizations. She also noted that the Belmont Youth Band now has a piano instructor and that they’ve been able to obtain an instrument for every new student to date.

Ms. Lamont also encouraged all to attend the Belmont Arts & Cultural Center’s event titled “Spring Membership Drive + Barbeque + Art = A Great Day” set for 11 am to 4 pm Saturday, April 9, at the Belmont Building, 401 N. Reus St. Complimentary barbeque, studio tours, live glass blowing, glass bead making & pottery demonstrations, with hands-on opportunities. Details: www.belmontartscenter.com or call 850-429-1222.

Tony McCray gave an update on the Gulf Coast Regional Equity to Achieve Prosperity (R.E.A.P.) summit set for March 17-19 at the Pensacola Hilton and offered members a deeply discount of $90 off the price of admission. Important workshops will be held on (1) housing and community development; (2) Education, training and job development; (3) health and human services, and (4) business and economic development.

Mr. McCray noted that Dr. Howard Rasheed, the founder of the Wilmington, NC-based Institute for Innovation, is working to develop software that will track initiatives developed at the summit. Dr. Rasheed has received the Outstanding Alumni and Outstanding Instructor awards from his alma mater, the University of West Florida, where he received a B.S. in Marketing and an MBA in entrepreneurial studies. He was the first chairman of the Minority Economic Task Force for the Pensacola Chamber.

Mr. McCray said the summit organizers are seeking volunteers and representation from the faith-based community of Pensacola and Escambia County. He distributed a volunteer sheet titled “REAP Blueprint Strategic Planning Teams.” He asked members to check the teams they have a passion for and to prioritize them. The teams are listed as: Health and Human Services; Affordable Housing; Civic Engagement/Leadership Development; Minority Business/Economic Development; Education/Workforce Development; Technology; Media/Entertainment; Heritage Preservation/Cultural Tourism; Financial Management/Sustainability; and Disaster Planning and Recovery. To register for the REAP summit or to learn more about these teams, visit www.ibispartners.com or call 850-341-1060.

Eddie Todd and George Hawthorne, diversity program advisor for the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce, briefly explained leveraging opportunities offered by the Community Maritime Park development that could benefit Belmont-DeVilliers and the West Side neighborhoods. Mr. Hawthorne proposed that the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association become part of a 501(c)3 Community Development Corporation that could oversee the development of land parcels within our area. The lots would be purchased through federal grants, donations or other means and then developed by the nonprofit CDC. He suggested this would be a pro-active way to affect the development of the neighborhood rather than a passive approach to see what developer comes in to change the fabric of the neighborhood. Mr. Hawthorne has 27 years of community development experience and recognizes that federal funding for this type of enterprise is shrinking, as some members pointed out. Mr. Hawthorne can be reached at grghawthorne@yahoo.com or at the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce, second floor, Eddie Todd Building, (850) 433-0593.

In the discussion that followed Mr. Hawthorne’s suggestion, Mr. McCray said that the fact federal funds are being cut is additional reason to pursue this strategy. Alexa Canady-Davis cautioned that such a venture would require serious financial oversight and an independent auditing system. Eddie Todd said that others have asked the association to set up a CDC in the past, but the group rejected the invitation. He said there is a local developer still interested in participating in such a venture. It was noted that both Mayor Ashton Hayward and Councilman Brian Spencer have expressed interest in this type of venture.

Dottie Dubuisson and Neil Richards thought it might be expedient to partner with CEII (Community Equity Investments, Inc.), 302 N. Barcelona St., which already has a 501(c)3. It was agreed there should be further discussion of his suggestion. CEII was first incorporated in 1974 as People Organized for Community Development (POCD), as one of the original CDC’s funded by the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity’s “War on Poverty” in the late 1970s.

Councilman Ronald Townsend said the Council on the Whole will be deliberating on the $200,000 “A” Street Tree Beautification proposal at its meeting on Monday at about 3:15 pm on the second floor of City Hall. He said there is some effort to derail this project and suggested that as many members as possible should come to the meeting. (Update: Several crepe myrtle trees were planted on “A” St. between Belmont and LaRua on Friday, March 4. Pensacola News Journal photos of this tree planting can viewed at
http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=DP&Dato=20110304&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=103040802&Ref=PH&odyssey=mod|galleriespic

Ann Hill moved that we pass a resolution backing the mayor’s “A” St. beautification program. This was seconded and passed unanimously. The Westside Sunshine and Tanyard Neighborhood Associations will be invited to co-sign the resolution and attend the Monday meeting.

Ms. Hill passed around the Visit Pensacola’s new pamphlets titled “Explore African-American Heritage in the Pensacola Bay Area.” She noted the Pensacola Visitors Center,

1401 E. Gregory St.

, has 10,000 copies. Toll free number is 800-874-1234. The African-American Heritage Trail brochure can also be downloaded as a PDF file at: www.visitpensacola.com/sites/visitpensacola.com/files/aaht-brochure-web.pdf .

Ms. Hill also gave an update on the association’s effort to be given a PCIP grant for a welcome sign in the island at

Garden St.

and DeVilliers. She had emailed the membership two options for the welcome sign, and members selected that the second sign that is routed to take the shape of the lettering and has a saxophone on it. The group also voted to put Eddie Todd, Ann Hill and George Hawthorne in charge of the grant application, giving them authority to make decisions regarding this project. Kim Kimbrough offered to lend consulting support to this project.

Neil Richards reported that Goombay is still on for April 20 but that the footprint and sponsors have all changed. It will maintain the Caribbean theme and provide economic support of key neighborhood businesses.

Ms. Dubuisson gave a summary of the various upcoming governmental meetings covering bed tax, the old sewage plant, and downtown parking and sidewalks. She noted that the borrower on Music Hall of Fame exhibit has been transferred and plans for a digitized version can move forward. The Tone and Bones open mic continues on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 at the Belmont Building. Ms. Dubuisson also pointed out the article and photo on the African-American Heritage Society that was in the Pensacola News Journal on Feb. 27:  www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011102280313 .

The email announcement for the 1st Annual Mardi Gras Gourmet Dinner Night fundraiser sponsored by the Truth for Youth to benefit Students for Suicide Awareness, a tenant in the Belmont Building, was forwarded to the membership. Featured Belmont artists at the event included Ashton Howard, Austin Waller and Sonja Griffin Evans,

Alexa Canady-Davis reported that because of some misinformation, the name of the firefighters’ memorial will be “Fallen Firefighters Memorial” and it will be dedicated to those fallen firefighters who served the old Main Fire Station. She encouraged members to watch the environmentally green construction of the new library facilities.

Mr. Todd gave two updates on the Community Maritime Parks Associates (CMPA): (1) a board member has resigned (Bentina Terry) and there is a issue in the works to dissolve  the CMPA and put it under the direct control  of the City Council.

Dr. Gloria Horning distributed sponsorship (ranging from $275 to $2,500) and silent auction donation information on the upcoming Be Ready Alliance (BRACE) second annual Hurricane Hoedown set for 6:30 to 11 pm Saturday, May 14, at the Sanders Beach Community Center, 913 South “I” St. Tickets are $35 for admission, dinner, dancing, live music and two drink tickets. Ticket purchase and other information is also posted on the website: www.bereadyalliance.org/getequipped  or by calling 850-444-7041.

BRACE’s mission is to teach and prepare our communities on how to protect, respond and recover from a disaster or an emergency. The 501(c)3 organization was recently recognized by FEMA with an Honorable Mention Award for Outstanding Citizen Corps.

Dr. Gloria Horning noted two upcoming workshops (1) A free Cultural, Ethnic and Minority Disaster Ready Workshop on March 19 from 10:30 to 3 pm at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3600 N. Palafox and (2) a free 4-day Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) training course April 7-10. At present, she said, about 30% of those being trained are African-American.

According to the February BRACE newsletter, when a state of emergency is declared, the BRACE homepage will go into Emergency Mode to provide its partners and the public with emergency information. The Escambia County Public Information Office will be updating MyEscambia.com  with the latest breaking news as it is made available. BRACE’s website will provide a link to MyEscambia.com for this breaking news during an emergency.

Residents can also receive emergency updates via email or text by signing up now at MyEscambia.com. Several email subscriptions are available from Escambia County depending on your information needs – sign up for one, two, or all three. The Crisis Communication Email Subscription will only be activated during a declared state of emergency, and will only send you information when the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center has been activated. The email subscription signup with a description of the types of notification (general, alert, crisis) is at:

www.myescambia.com/Bureaus/PublicInformation/Subscribe.html

Guest Erica Douglas of Southern Oaks was introduced. She said there have been lots of staff changes at the rehabilitation center and invited the membership to an Open House there from 4 to 6 pm on April 13. She will send out formal invitations next week.

Ms. Curry passed around a letter of thanks from Rose George and the family of the late Mr. Fred Lee George Sr.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm.

WEST SIDE BEAUTIFICATION PLANS ADVANCE

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is NOW.” -- Chinese proverb

http://www.pnj.com/article/20110308/NEWS01/103080322/1006/news01/West-side-beautification-gas-pipeline-plans-advance

Funds may pay for west-side improvements

Written by Jamie Page, Pensacola News Journal

The Pensacola City Council on Monday advanced Mayor Ashton Hayward's west-side beautification plan and the purchase of 34 miles of natural gas pipeline.

The two council committee actions are expected to get final approval by the council at Thursday's regular meeting:

 The west-side plan approval means the council will allocate $256,000 from various city funds to pay for landscaping and street improvement projects in western neighborhoods.

The money will be used to plant 200 trees along A Street, from Main Street to Lakeview Avenue, and for landscape maintenance and irrigation installation.

It would include sidewalk improvements, curbside wheelchair ramps, parking improvements, and intersection and crosswalk enhancements on A Street, which is part of a neighborhood corridor that includes Belmont-DeVilliers, Westpointe Heritage, Westside Sunshine, Tanyard and North Hill neighborhoods.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PLEASE TAKE THE ESCAMBIA COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSIT SURVEY ONLINE

Thanks, Councilwoman Megan Pratt, for this news tip on an Escambia County transit survey. Here's what she writes in her latest blog:Would you like to share your opinions on public transportation in our community? You are invited to take the transit survey that will help inform the Northwest Florida Transit Development Plans. The results of this survey will help the West Florida Regional Planning Council in planning for future projects. Feel free to share other transit thoughts with me directly, as well.

Here's the link to the transit survey: http://transitsurvey.org/escambia/survey/

Here's the link to Dr. Pratt's blog: http://meganprattd9.blogspot.com/

One more notice of the survey:

March 9, 2011                                                                                                                                    

News Release# 11-0308-TransitDevPlan                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                           

“Make Your Mark” with the Local Transit Survey

Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT), in conjunction with the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), is asking all residents to participate in the Transportation Development Plan (TDP) local transit survey for Escambia County.  Residents are encouraged to visit www.myescambia.com or www.TransitSurvey.org to “Make Your Mark” in the community by taking the 2011 bus transit survey online. By participating in the survey, residents can voice their opinion about services and priorities for Escambia County and surrounding counties. The survey component of the study will be available for public input through April 2011.

Every five years the TPO, in conjunction with ECAT, conducts a major update of the TDP. This is a requirement of each transit agency receiving state funds from the Florida Department of Transportation. Results from the TDP survey will provide information to the TPO and ECAT on everything from travel patterns to identifying support for local transit services and expanded mobility options.

“We all acknowledge that there is a tremendous opportunity to improve the delivery of service and expand ridership,” said Jane Birdwell, of the Escambia Mass Transit Advisory Committee (MTAC). 

 To request a hard copy of the transit survey, contact Chris Westbrook at 595-3228, ext. 217, or email info@transitsurvey.org. To learn more about MTAC and ECAT services provided and the routes, call 595-3228 or visit www.goecat.com.

# # #

Thank you,

Sonya Daniel

Public Information Manager

Escambia County

850-595-3476

smdaniel@co.escambia.fl.us

 

Mayor Ashton Hayward calls for beautification of west side

AN ECOLOGICALLY WONDERFUL MOVE. How very smart of the city to relocate some of the crepe myrtles displaced by the airport renovation to the sadly treeless "A" St. corridor. These were planted between LaRua and Belmont. The city has a landscaping plan that will cover the West Side with natural beauties like these.

A few more photos I took while there. That's Helen Gibson in the background.

Good news - the Committee of the Whole passed the mayor's proposal unanimously!!!

Here is the signed resolution that was presented to the Committee of the Whole during their meeting that addressed the mayor's "A" Street beautification project:

Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

Pensacola City Council Members

City Hall

Pensacola, FL

3/07/11

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE “A” STREET TREE PROJECT

The members of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association voted unanimously at their March 2 meeting to support the proposed beautification of the “A” Street corridor from Main to Cervantes. We are pleased that Mayor Ashton Hayward has placed an allocation of $275,000 before the City Council to fund this long-sought and much-needed enhancement. We urge you to vote for this funding, which will not only improve the quality of our neighborhood, but also enhance a major artery leading to the Community Maritime Park.

The Westside Sunshine Neighborhood Association and the Tanyard Neighborhood Association join us in voicing their enthusiastic support for this project as well.

Most cordially,

Dolores Curry, President

Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

Allen Gibson, President

West Side Sunshine Neighborhood Association

Jason Wilkins, President

Tanyard Neighborhood Association

http://www.pnj.com/article/20110307/NEWS01/103070313/Mayor-Ashton-Hayward-calls-beautification-west-side?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Ken Griffin Landscaping employee, James Arias fertilizes a relocated Crepe Myrtle tree along A Street Friday morning March 4, 2011. Pensacola City Mayor Ashton Hayward will be asking the City Council to reallocate $256,000, from various funds in order to begin beautifying the west side of Pensacola. / Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com

 

Written by Jamie Page

Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward, who made the need for city beautification a major part of his campaign, hopes to launch his first such initiative on the west side of the city .

Hayward has submitted to the City Council a request to allocate $256,000 from various city funds to pay for landscaping and streetscaping projects in western neighborhoods, which most City Council members agree have been neglected when it comes to beautification. The request will be considered at today's committee meeting.

If the request is approved, it would be consistent with the city's West Side Redevelopment Plan, which was approved by the council in September 2007 but never implemented.

Implementing the plan was one of the "20 Solutions for 2011" that Hayward issued during his campaign.

"Let's be frank: This has been a neglected part of our city, and the citizens and businesses of the west side deserve better," Hayward said.

"I've said all along we're not going to move our city forward, attract new businesses and create jobs when we've got a third of our city that is being left behind."

Under the proposal, the money would be used to plant 200 trees along

A Street

, from

Main Street

to

Cervantes Street

, and for landscape maintenance and irrigation installation.

It also would include projects such as curbside wheelchair ramps, parking improvements and intersection and crosswalk enhancements on

A Street

, which is part of a neighborhood corridor that includes Belmont-DeVilliers, Westpointe Heritage, Westside Sunshine, Tanyard and North Hill neighborhoods.

For at least two years, Delores Curry, president of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association, has been pressing city officials to start the west-side improvements.

"It's about time they spent some money over on the west side," Curry said. "It's going to be the area leading into the Maritime Park, and we want to give a good impression when people come down there. I'm glad to see the mayor sees the importance of trying to beautify the city."

Reallocations required

In recent years, city Code Enforcement has been trying to clean up the look of the west side, which has had issues with blight, litter and vehicles parking on sidewalks and city rights of way.

Residents there say identifiable crosswalks, trees and a sense of ownership by the neighborhood have all been missing.

Allen Gibson, president of the Westside Sunshine Neighborhood Association, has been working with Curry on the west-side improvements and believes they will help property values.

"I think it will bring in people who would like to look at the area close to downtown, which is close to a lot of the happenings," Gibson said.

The beautification money is proposed to come from multiple funding sources, including $150,000 from the Tree Trust Fund, which currently has a balance of more than $750,000 from assessments on new developments in the city. The request also allocates $50,000 from the Community Redevelopment Agency and $56,000 from the prior year's Pensacola Community Initiative Program's neighborhood grants program.

Council support

The mayor's proposal already has the support of the two council members — Brian Spencer and Ronald Townsend — whose districts include the area of

A Street

to be beautified.

Townsend has been complaining for years that the west side is overlooked.

"I applaud the mayor for starting the plan in that particular area," Townsend said. "Some folks think it shouldn't be a priority. But I always talk about the tale of two cities here, and now with what's going to happen with the Maritime Park, it needs to be done."

On Friday, the city began planting trees on the east side of

A Street

, between Belmont and LaRua streets. The trees were transplanted from the city's airport because of its renovations there and are not part of the 200 new trees.

Spencer, an architect, ran his political campaign heavily on beautification and feels

A Street

is "a great place to start."

"There is no wrong starting place on the west side plan," Spencer said. "It's the public realm, and attractive streetscapes have a history of inviting or encouraging private investment.

"Anyone who has studied the demographics of the neighborhood condition knows it certainly has not trended upward, and as a city we need to commit funds to exactly these types of neighborhoods to re-establish their identity and heritage."