East Hill's Taco Bell opens after compromises with residents on design

Melissa Nelson Gabriel | Pensacola News Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption East Hill Taco Bell now open for business The controversial Taco Bell in East Hill has finally opened, and just in time for Taco Tuesday.

Just in time for Taco Tuesday, the new East Hill Taco Bell is open for business.

The grand opening Monday followed months of back and forth between the franchise owner, city planners and nearby residents opposed to the fast-food chain's plan to open the 1201 E. Cervantes St. location.

"It's a taco-tastic Tuesday," drive-thru employee Asia Brown said with a smile as she handed over two party packs containing 15 tacos each.

The Taco Bell replaced a shuttered Circle K convenience store on the southeast corner of Cervantes Street and 12th Avenue.

Pensacola Mayor-elect Grover Robinson called the new Taco Bell a good example of compromise between residents, developers and city planners.

"I'd like to see us keep working on ways to ensure whatever development occurs is complementary with the surrounding neighborhoods," he said. "I appreciate the developers being open to working with the citizens."

Earlier this year, more than 2,400 nearby residents signed a Change.org petition stating that the company's plan for the restaurant did not mesh with the neighborhood's historic charm and style.

Among other things, the petition asked that trees on the lot be preserved; that the original bricks on 12th Avenue be preserved; that two historic homes on the property be moved instead of demolished; that the restaurant by oriented along the sidewalk to encourage walkability; and that the design reflect the existing style of East Hill.

The Taco Bell proposal also garnered hundreds of comments on the East Hill Neighborhood Association Facebook Page from residents both for and against the plan.

Franchise owner Southeast QSR and the residents reached a compromise in May after working with city planners. Developers announced a design plan intended to blend with the existing neighborhood, preserve existing trees and encourage foot traffic.

The design included placing the parking lot behind the building and maximizing landscaping.

Teresa Hill started the petition urging Taco Bell to change its design. Hill said Tuesday she was pleased the company was willing to make some changes. Although the new Taco Bell didn't include everything she wanted, it was a compromise from the original proposal, she said.

"It was the most unassuming building design they have," she said. "I think the process is sparking a new conversation for a city, and that is a good thing," she said.

Melissa Nelson Gabriel can be reached at mnelsongab@pnj.com or 850-426-1431.

