WMG Volume 6 • Issue 8 April 17, 2019
Wilton Manors Gazette Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette
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Study Underestimated Traffic Counts for
Wilton Drive Lane Reduction Engineer could lose license over faulty report By Sallie James A Fort Lauderdale engineer could lose her professional license for significantly under-estimating traffic counts for a much-publicized road narrowing project in Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale. The Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE) filed an administrative complaint in March against Christine W. Fanchi after Wilton Manors resident Boyd Corbin filed a complaint about Fanchi with the FBPE. Corbin, a Wilton Manors activist who ran for mayor in November 2018 and lost, said he read Fanchi’s proposal for lane elimination and didn’t think the numbers made sense. The FBPE read her engineering report and agreed. In question is the viability of a muchtouted road narrowing project that has transformed Wilton Drive into a chaotic construction zone in the heart of the city’s downtown. According to the complaint, Fanchi’s report was “materially deficient” because it grossly underestimated 2035 traffic volumes on the roadway. The report said traffic volume would increase 2.3-2.4 percent by 2035 when it should have said it would increase by 10.4 percent, the complaint states. “The impact of this error is that traffic delays at all intersections in 2035 … will be materially greater than those set out in the report,” the complaint states. An effort to reach Fanchi for comment was unsuccessful.
The underestimated traffic counts Transportation. The project will also upgrade will mean intersection failure at the roadway and pedestrian lighting, include new intersection of Wilton Drive and 13th drainage structures and upgrade the existing Street, a Level of Service “F,” according drainage system. to the complaint. The result would mean But motorists have complained the project lengthy traffic delays and the likelihood has swallowed up scarce parking spaces, of negative impacts on surrounding pedestrians say it has made walking dangerous neighborhoods, the complaint stated. and confusing, and some businesses are Franchi is accused struggling to stay afloat of failing to use “due because their entrances are care” by issuing a report obscured. that was “materially Supporters laud the deficient.” Fanchi also project’s intent to slow failed to sign and date motor vehicle traffic and the report. beautify the downtown. But “The report said it critics like Corbin fear it will would work for under cause gridlock. 20,000 vehicles a day. “I requested the report Right now there are because I wondered if it 20,000-22,000 vehicles would work,” Corbin said. a day. The report “They are really narrowing it contradicted itself,” from five lanes to two lanes. Corbin said. I thought it was too busy The project to narrow and it is. That was my hunch Northeast Fourth and that was verified by the - Boyd Corbin Avenue/Wilton Drive traffic data.” Wilton Manors activist from Sunrise Boulevard Wilton Manors Mayor to Northeast 26th Street Justin Flippen said this: to two lanes began in August and has “While we don’t know the final resolution of been criticized by both businesses and the inquiry into the engineering report, FDOT pedestrians. has confirmed that the Lane Elimination The project includes 7-foot-wide bicycle Application was reviewed by its engineers lanes and will widen sidewalks, upgrade at the time it was submitted and approved. pedestrian signals and modify pedestrian The jurisdiction of the operation of the road curb ramps to meet ADA requirements, remains within FDOT’s scope of responsibility. according to the Florida Department of FDOT has reported to us that it will not impact
“The report said it would work for under 20,000 vehicles a day. Right now there are 20,000-22,000 vehicles a day. The report contradicted itself.”
Christine W. Fanchi. Photo via the City of Fort Lauderdale.
the complete street project in Wilton Manors.” The Florida Board of Professional Engineers is requesting permanent revocation of Fanchi’s engineering license and the issuance of an administrative fine, placing Fanchi on probation and assessing her costs related to the investigation. “I think that other engineers are going to take note of it and they are not going to play games with the traffic data,” Corbin said. “It was not just an oversight.” WMG
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Opinion
Recipe for Success
April 17, 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 8 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
By Sal Torre
Looking to open a business here in Wilton Manors? Want to do it quickly with no hassle, without proper permits, and without bothering with all the restrictions and fees that everyone else must incorporate into their business plan? Want to bypass the whole process and not be concerned with your neighbors’ quality of life? Well then, step right up, ‘cause I have the recipe for success to pass along. These few easy steps are perfectly tailored to how things have been working here in our Island City. First and foremost, the most important ingredient for this recipe is to track down a local, very popular not-for-profit with a cash hungry CEO to be your landlord. After that, it’s basically an easy slide to the bank as the money starts rolling in. Not content with your profit margin? Proceed directly to the second key ingredient for success — chutzpah. Go ahead and sue the local municipality
WMG Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com
Challenge Fitness. Photo credit: Brendon Lies.
Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli piero@sfgn.com Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com News Editor • Sallie James
Correspondents
Sal Torre • James Oaksun
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970
that keeps pestering you to follow the rules of the game that all those other poor souls need to be concerned about. Cash in on that good name of your landlord, file that law suit, and turn up the volume ‘cause those poor neighbors don’t stand a chance complaining to their city commissioners. The party can easily go on for at least a good two-year run. So, go ahead, have some fun, let the good times roll baby. Challenge Fitness, the illegal business operating on the Pride Center’s campus, has followed this recipe word for word, and is proof that the recipe works. The Pride Center is the local popular not-for-profit landlord that has allowed this illegal business to operate on their campus, continuing to collect their rent, while turning a blind eye to the legal issues and responsibility to the neighboring community. The tenant and quite cunning business, Challenge Fitness, has been able to operate, make money, disregard city codes and laws, be a nuisance to neighbors, and have the chutzpah to sue the city. All this at the same time that the City of Wilton Manors hands over $200,000 of its Affordable Housing Fund to the Pride Center to assist with the center’s plans to build an affordable housing project. In this surefire recipe for success, the fact that the Pride Center initially entered into an illegal agreement with Challenge Fitness, due to the “overlooked” restrictions on the property prohibiting commercial business operations, should be of no concern. The fact that the business does not have proper licensing from the city, but still continues to operate also should be of no concern. The fact that surrounding neighbors have filed numerous complaints for loud music, glaring lights, off-hour operations, and other Code violations should also be of no
concern. Just some overlooked minor details. At our last City Commission meeting, Commissioner Gary Resnick inquired about the ongoing legal expenses to city taxpayers due to the issues that have continued now for many months. He went so far as to recommend stopping any further legal proceedings due to continued cost to the city. And, here is the final ingredient in the recipe: Wear them down, keep those legal expenses rising until the municipality tires out, gives up, and chooses to turn a blind eye. This taxpayer is absolutely fine with the continued legal expenses being incurred by the city. Turning a blind eye to this issue, allowing our laws and codes to become meaningless, and sacrificing the quality of life of the taxpaying neighbors who live next to this horrific neighbor is not an option for me. I would have been happier if our City Commission used the Affordable Housing Fund dollars as leverage to bring an end to this illegal business and the legal action coming from the campus of the Pride Center. Unfortunately, that opportunity has passed. However, there is one item to be concerned about that could cause this recipe not to be successful. That one minor component is the presence of community-based resistance. If the community keeps pressure on the elected officials not to turn a blind eye, my recipe for success will fail, no matter how well you stir the ingredients in the pot. So I wish you well on your quest to operate a business illegally and above the law, but you might want to bypass our Island City. This city has a very active community that will hinder you at every turn and not give in. That is what makes life just better here. WMG
Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Clark Rogers clark.rogers@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MEMBER
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A local pooch plays in the newly improved Colohatchee dog park. To learn more and register your dog for a Dog Park Pass, visit wiltonmanors.com. Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.
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Bona Gives Back By Rick Karlin Since taking over the landmark Bona LGBT rights and those who work with Italian Restaurant more than two years HIV and AIDS care, issues and education. ago, Glen Weinzimer and his team have We also love animals and have worked made some significant changes, all while with pet rescue organizations as well as keeping the things about Bona that the those who save our turtles. We believe in celebrating the work and community enjoyed the most highlighting the energy of (including maintaining some the arts, the social groups like of the long-time servers). the Bears of South Florida, Bona also has instituted the choruses, the symphony some new policies. One of and others that light up our those is giving back to the world. In the past two years community. when we tallied what the Bona supports the community has helped give community through its back by the 10 percent that “Give Back Monday” policy, goes back every Monday donating 10 percent of each from dining, it totaled more check to a local charity. than $25,000. No check is As Weinzimer explains, - Glen Weinzimer Owner of BONA Italian enormous, but we hope the “We established our ‘Give Restaurant collective impact is.” Back Monday’ policy two In addition to that years ago. We wanted to be able to give back to the community program, those who announce that they consistently and help organizations are attending a play at Island City Stage principally in our backyard that work to before or after dining at the restaurant, enhance our community from the arts to will have 10 percent of their check total social groups that do good. We wanted donated to Wilton Manor’s resident to help those organizations that work on theater company. Neither of these
“No check is enormous, but we hope the collective impact is.”
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WILTON EATS programs cost Bona customers a cent, the money is donated from Bona’s profits. Bona has also responded to its customers’ interests which show up on the menu. With more diners requesting gluten or carb-free options, the restaurant offers a pizza with a cauliflower crust and zucchini “noodles” as an option instead of pasta. It also offers eight vegan options on the menu. Instead of paper or plastic straws, Bona will provide pasta “straws” for customers. This kind of attention to the community and customers’ needs has made Bona one of the most popular dining options on the Drive. Even in off-season the dining room is always buzzing with activity. WMG
Photo via Bona Italian Restaurant, Facebook.
TI DB IT S
Candela has revised its menu, reducing the price of many entrees by as much as 10%. It has also added some new dishes. Diners can now enjoy some new dishes; cerdo segoviano, a lasagna filled with a savory beef ragout and roasted branzino with shrimps in garlic sauce. Happy Hour features dozens of glasses of wine priced less than $10 a glass and a dozen or so traditional tapas dishes, also priced less than $10 each, including; olives, boquerones, patatas bravas, tortilla de patata, a variety of croquetas and steamed mussels. The Grille on the Drive will offer its buffet brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the regular price of $24.95. Plated dinner service, with seatings at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. will feature a special menu for $34.95. Courtyard Café will feature its regular menu, as well as a few specials on Easter Sunday and will also offer $3.50 Bloody Marys and $3 mimosas all day long.
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this, justin
FEATURE
The Artist Who Paints With Her Voice
Parking, and Pooches, and Art (Oh, my!) By Justin Flippen
By Pier Angelo
Wilton Drive. Photo credit: Brendon Lies. Glenda Grainger. Photo via Glenda Grainger, Facebook.
For this edition of This, Justin, I want to focus on three important and recent quality of life matters. Parking on the Drive
A native of London, England, Glenda her age and when you listen to her full and Grainger has lived and performed all over the rich voice you feel her enjoyment of singing, which is technically flawless, always fresh world. Her entire life has been committed to the art and emotionally endearing. She is a symbol of of song and performance. She has graced many resilience. A life long supporter of the gay community, stages from Paris to Mexico and beyond. Her TV appearances over the years include The Johnny even when it was not fashionable, Grainger sat Carson “Tonight” show, plus several stints on down with SFGN for a lunch on The Drive. “I the Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and Joey Bishop have been singing in Wilton Manors for many years and have a very large, loyal, gay following,” shows peppered with guest appearances. Grainger has also been on the Dean she said. “I have a very special connection with Martin and Hollywood Palace shows. She has them. I worked at Tropics for years, at the new performed as opening act for such legends as Chardees, at Angel’s restaurant piano bar on the Drive.” Jackie Mason and Milton Berle. “I work with Gary Lawrence, She has also performed with my piano accompanist,” she the Smothers Brothers, and many continued. “I sing and perform more. The list includes a hit throughout the year because I love record in the late 60s with “Mr. to interact with audiences and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” one of the enjoy the work of the songwriters. songs from the James Bond movie Singing comes naturally to me. I “Thunderball.” She was featured have the discipline to work hard in the Jerry Lewis movie, “Hook, and always learn something new. I Line & Sinker,” where she played am very happy, at this stage of my a lifeguard who gave Jerry Lewis life, to be where I am. I have been CPR and delivered mouth to mouth lucky to have been in love twice, resuscitation! - Glenda Grainger and would not want to change Grainger has become a cultural Musician anything in my life even if I could. and musical treasure and she is still Love is about caring, sharing and tirelessly delighting audiences with her electrifying stage presence. Her timeless making sacrifices.” Grainger is currently performing at Club repertoire runs the gamut from Broadway show tunes like “The Great American Songbook,” Silver (2209 Wilton Drive) every Saturday from jazz, and contemporary ballads sung in various 7-10 p.m. languages. Her show is not to be missed. WMG Grainger has been described as “the artist who paints with her voice.” She has more Visit her web site at voice and stamina than most singers half www.Glendagrainger.com
“I am very happy, at this stage of my life, to be where I am.”
We all know that finding a place to park on Wilton Drive is tough, and the construction has made it even challenging. Working with the Wilton Drive Improvement District (WDID) and as a tool to help business, the City Commission decided last month to suspend parking enforcement during the day until the roadway construction is finished at the end of September. Follow these simple guidelines, and start enjoying the limited, free, daytime parking along the Drive:
• Free parking is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. only. • There is a four-hour maximum for free parking. • Parking fees kick in from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily, so be sure to pay for parking using the ParkMobile app or feed the meter. Some meters have been removed for construction, so paying for parking at spaces without meters is via ParkMobile only - use ParkMobile Zone 8021. • Be considerate of others. Please don’t monopolize parking spaces for longer than necessary. When you’ve completed your business, please be courteous to free up the parking space for other shoppers. Visitors to Wilton Drive also have the option to leave their cars at home, and use a ridesharing service. The city offers a $5 discount on Uber and Lyft rides (worth about three hours of parking fees) on Friday and Saturday nights. The WDID is sponsoring the same discounts on Wilton Wednesdays during the day, to encourage folks to come for lunch. Visit the city’s ride-sharing page at WiltonManors. com/669/Ride-Sharing for the latest discount codes.
dog park in South Florida. It was great fun to watch the more than 50 dogs that came to the grand reopening run, play, and interact. Our four-legged friends and their two-legged companions made the event a lot of fun. I am so pleased our city is committed to improving the quality of our parks, understanding that green space is a vital part of our city and what makes us a special community. Before visiting the park with your dog, you’ll need to obtain a permit, which will come with a key fob that provides entry into the dog play area. To learn more about how to apply, visit the dog park page on the city‘s website at WiltonManors.com/681/dog-park Art in the Island City One of the things I love most about our city is its dedicated volunteers and our children. Wilton Art is a community-based group supporting art installations and programs in our city. Through its elementary art 2019 competition, Wilton Art invited all 200 students in 4th and 5th grade at Wilton Manors Elementary to design entries using out of the box designs, colors, and materials. The art work was displayed throughout the city at City Hall, Claudia Castillo Art Gallery, Rosie’s Bar and Grill, and Publix. The top 10 finalists had their work presented and awarded at the April 9 City Commission meeting. We celebrated these talented students along with their families, art teacher, and administrators from the school.
From enjoying free parking on the Drive, to bringing pooches to their new dog park, and to celebrating the art of our children, we have many reasons to appreciate our quality of life, knowing that in so many ways, “life’s just better here.”
Colohatchee Dog Park Colohatchee Park reopened last month, after a million dollar renovation. There’s a walking trail, fitness zone, and a pristine mangrove preserve. The Dog Park has been enlarged, and I believe we now have the best
Justin S. Flippen, J.D. Wilton Manors Mayor WMG
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