SHOPPES OF WILTON MANORS GETS MAKEOVER

By John Hayden

Redevelopment of The Shoppes of Wilton Manors, often referred to as Alibi Plaza, is imminent. After years of proposals that went nowhere, many residents have learned to just ignore talk of new buildings. But final approval of a massive and controversial construction project is upon us.

The Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to meet April 17 at 6 p.m. and is expected to consider granting variances to the developer, which would clear the way for construction on the site, pending final approval by the city commission.

The Plan

The current plan, as described by several sources to SFGN, calls for the back building of the property (the one with Pride Factory and the gym) to be demolished and replaced with a parking garage. The parking lot in front of that building will become home to mixed use housing; businesses on the ground floor andabout 250 residential units above.

The building with Hunters Nightclub and Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar, as well as the parking lot right in front of it, are safe for now. We’re told both anchor tenants have longterm leases and buying them out would be cost prohibitive for the developer.

In recent years, the city has updated its building code, allowing new development to be eight stories high, up from three.

The Problems

Critics of the proposal say approval would degrade the skyline, disrupt nearby businesses, and lead to an identity crisis in the city.

Many say the height of the building will stick out like a sore thumb and start the creation of a “canyon effect” along Wilton Drive.

Construction, by most estimates, will take up to thirty months from demolition to grand opening. It’s obvious how existing businesses in the remaining building will be affected, but others on The Drive could suffer as well. Construction could disrupt traffic and will exacerbate parking issues, deterring people from coming out. New parking spots in the city are supposed to be 9’x20’, which is a larger requirement than neighboring cities.

The developers are asking for spots in the proposed garage to only be 8.5’x18’. If a variance is granted, that would create over 500 spots, enough for new residents and businesses, as well as absorb the loss of the current parking lot.

Critics also worry about the city losing its spirit. New construction means new residents. But there’s no promise of who will move in. Many say a heterocentric influx of people and businesses would hurt the LGBT community, which has made Wilton Manors the center of LGBT life in South Florida. The city is welcoming to all, but many want to create ways to preserve the heritage of Wilton Manors for the future.

Decisions made at the next Planning and Zoning Board meeting will answer a lot of questions about the future of the city.