By Attiyya Atkins
As the city of Pompano becomes more and more developed, is Northwest Pompano being forgotten? Developers and economic gurus assured city officials at a recent meeting that the potential of Northwest Pompano is not slipping through the cracks.
At an April 12 meeting, city officials approved the city’s latest tourism and development strategic plan. The plan outlines five years of growth throughout Pompano. Assistant City Manager Earl Bosworth says the plan will help make the city a “preferred place to visit.” The beach and downtown are the city’s regular tourist attractions, but Tom DiGiorgio, Chair of the Economic Development Council ensured city officials that change is coming to the Northwest area.
Vice Mayor Beverly Perkins said, “we do have quite a few things in Northwest Pompano for people to do.” She mentioned the Blanche Ely Museum and Ali Cultural Arts Center. “But driving there is a difference experience than in downtown Pompano,” she said.
DiGiorgio explained that part of the city’s latest tourism plan is working on neighborhoods and making them more tourism-friendly, all while keeping their heritage.
“We have tourism elements, but not all of it,” he said.
He mentioned the Blanche Ely Museum. “One museum by itself is not going to drive traffic… we have to bring museums into the 2020’s… we can’t just have static pictures on the wall.”
He sees a lot of potential in the museum but explains that much more needs to be done to make Northwest Pompano a destination. “We have one museum there that is definitely underutilized.” In addition to upgrading the museum, the plan calls for bringing unique places to eat, cultural experiences, and recreational experiences. The strategic plan’s schedule says that the changes in Northwest Pompano are expected to be complete by 2024.
