first published week of: 05/01/2023
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A "Harlow Report" January 1, 2018
Developers Argue Changes to Pensacola's GIS Map Are Latest Example of Confusion From City
by Joseph Baucum
Recent changes to the boundaries of the Palafox Historic Business District on the city of Pensacola's geographic information systems map have sparked clashing views on the consistency of City Hall's rules for developing real estate.
At issue remains how clear city staff have been with development corporation Two Hundred Garden West Inc. on the process for redeveloping land anchored by the Escambia County School District's former headquarters at 215 W. Garden St.
The News Journal first reported Sept. 24, 2016, that the school district had approved selling the nearly 4.9-acre site to Two Hundred Garden West for $3.4 million.
The development group has yet to close on the property, but in the News Journal's initial report, local attorney and developer Jim Reeves, president of the corporation, revealed the group's intent to redevelop the site into a mixed-use apartment development.
The developers previously believed the parcels resided in the Governmental Center District, which they said influenced their plans for the project. On Dec. 21, several hours before the group would present to the Pensacola Architectural Review Board for permission to demolish all structures on the site, the city altered its GIS map, which now depicts the location as also sitting within the Palafox Historic Business District.
Read full story at Pensacola News Journel…