Gazette Wilton Manors
Volume 2 • Issue 9 May 6, 2015
Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook
Page 2 Looking Beyond Our Borders
Page 4 The End of the Gayborhood
Page 5
Who Should Pay For Fire Services?
Page 7 Neighborhood Against Condos
Page 8 Calendar
Identifying A Good
Local Neighborhod
Learn which places in Broward are the best to settle down Page 3 Credit: City of Wilton Manors. Facebook.
Historical Society Raises Funds Page 6 Credit: Wilton Manors Historical Society.
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Opinion
Gazette Looking Beyond Wilton Manors
Our Borders…
By Sal Torre
MAY 6, 2015 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 9 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943
PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM
Editorial
We love to embrace the phase, “Wilton Manors — the Island City. Being an island defines us, creates the space we call our city, gives us a physical border, and offers us a psychological uniqueness we enjoy. Unfortunately, this Island concept offers us the belief that somehow we can close out the outside world, pull up the bridges, man the streets with our own police force, and hold off the forces of change at the gates. Many of the problems and topics of discussion heard around town at meetings and local gatherings serve as a sharp reminder that, in the words of the poet John Dunne, “No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main ….” We here in the Island City must look across the waterways and engage so to create the changes we want to see here at home and throughout Broward County. Homelessness, revolving doors for repeat convicted criminals, youth joblessness, less than average schools, failing infrastructure, and a lack of vision to move our communities into the future are some of the topics I hear discussed throughout our Island City. These are problems that affect our lives within our borders on a daily basis, from robberies in our residential neighborhoods, homelessness along Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park Blvd, panhandlers at intersections, solicitations by prostitutes at the Central Shopping Center, and much more. Residents demand action from their local officials, their Police Department, Code Enforcement, and city staff. Unfortunately, this is where their actions usually stop, and those being contacted have the least amount of effectiveness to deal with the problems perhaps other than to take shortterm, ineffective action such as placing a finger in a leaking hole of a dam that is about to burst. Most residents know Mayor Resnick and our four other City Commissioners. They also know our Chief of Police, local officers, City Manager Joe Gallegos, and others who make up our very dedicated city staff. BUT, looking beyond our borders, how many of us know who our County Commissioner, our Representatives serving in the Florida House, our State Senators? Who are those in our county
government who can be held accountable for the regional issues that are affecting all cities in Broward County? We very rarely hear from any of these county and regional elected officials until election time comes around. Some are doing a fantastic job against great odds, but all of them need to hear from their constituents to be reminded of what needs to be done in our local communities. How was your recent experience with the new countywide 911 system? Why is the criminal responsible for numerous burglaries back out on the street after just being arrested? What is being done countywide to address the homeless problem plaguing our communities? I know a lot of us have asked these questions locally, but have failed to ask them of our County Commissioner Tim Ryan. How about asking our State House Representatives Bobby Dubois and George Moraitis or our State Senators Chris Smith and Maria Sachs about state programs and funding available to address these issues? If we don’t communicate our concerns to the proper officials, we cannot reasonably expect solutions. In the coming months, as President of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors, I will be contacting the other neighborhood associations to discuss how we can work together to better communicate our city’s concerns to our regional elected officials, invite officials to our meetings, and create a forum between residents and these officials so that very important concerns and issues can be addressed. Meanwhile, I urge all residents to contact their regional officials and let them know our concerns, let them hear from their constituents! We do not always need to complain, we should also let our officials know when they are doing a good job. We thanked Commissioner Ryan for his actions in moving the Como Apartment Project on Powerline to completion and his recent interest in Mickel Park. We thank our State Senator Maria Sachs, who has always demonstrated great interest in our city and our diversity as a community. WMG
The Goals and Objectives Workshop begins at 6:30 pm on April 7. Meetings are held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, and all are welcome to attend. Parking is free during all city meetings.
ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES ARTWORK@SFGN.COM ONLINE PRODUCER • DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ DENNIS.JOZEFOWICZ@SFGN.COM EDITORIAL ASSISTANT • JILLIAN MELERO JILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM
Correspondents
MICHAEL D’OLIVEIRA • CHRISTIANA LILLY • DENISE ROYAL • NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN
Staff Photographers
J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES
Sales & Marketing
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING • MIKE TROTTIER MIKE.TROTTIER@SFGN.COM SALES MANAGER • JUSTIN WYSE JUSTIN.WYSE@SFGN.COM ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • EDWIN NEIMANN EDWIN.NEIMANN@SFGN.COM ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • CINDY CURTIS CINDY.CURTIS@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.
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Copyright © 2014 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
Email addresses for regional elected officials are: Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan — tryan@broward.org Fl. House Representative George Moraitis and Bobby Dubose — www.myfloridahouse.gov Fl. Senate Chris Smith and Maria Sachs — www.flsenate.gov
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Real Estate Geek
How to Identify Emerging Neighborhoods By James Oaksun In my last column I started to describe my criteria for finding good values in South Florida real estate. • First I strongly suggested Broward County as the prime place to seek value, far more so than MiamiDade County. (While there are parts of Palm Beach County that have potential, I think the potential in Broward is greater.) • Second I suggested that areas relatively near the ocean (but not too close) would be best bets for above average appreciation in the future. In this column I will describe my three additional criteria. Yes to some degree it is one man's opinion. However, it has basis in experience – not just my own experience and knowledge of the South Florida market, but also through extremely detailed statistical analysis of both our market here and other markets throughout the US. Criterion 3: Some Degree of Walkability/”Neighborhoodiness” Walk down Wilton Drive from the Dairy Queen to Five Points sometime. It is abundantly clear that the development of Wilton Manors as a community (and concomitant appreciation in property values) was driven in considerable part by having a core central district that could be a destination for both residents and visitors. There are other such locations in Broward County, but they are few. It's not too hard to identify them really. Look at Google Maps in a zoomed setting. Or, to be more scientific, look up an index of walkability, like a WalkScore.
Another means of getting some prospects would be to locate the “community redevelopment” areas that most Broward cities have designated. Some of them are percolating; some are not. You do have to put in some effort, and work with advisers who know the ground level realities. A good Realtor will do a lot more for you than open the garage door and mention the stainless steel appliances, after all. Criterion 4: Where is Whole Foods? Some people love Whole Foods; some hate them; some love to hate them. But I have found that in so many cases, one should take what they like and leave the rest. Actually Whole Foods is a good analogue to the real estate market here. You can spend a lot of money on something worth it; you can spend a lot on something overpriced; you can spend a moderate amount on something that is merely OK; or you can spend a moderate amount on something that in the long run will be very good for you. Learn what you can from Whole Foods! Say what you will, but they are a very successful company. They won't invest the time/effort/capital in a store opening that they don't believe will pay off for them. Consequently they will site their stores where there is (or will soon be) a demographic that has the money to spend there. Certainly some of the nearby areas will have already seen the appreciation in valuations. Some will not have experienced it – Yet. Criterion 5: A Nearby Institution of Higher Learning This is something often overlooked but that turns out to be a very good indicator of potential appreciation. Increasingly colleges and universities are not just for the 18-25 crowd. Rather, they are becoming centers of lifelong learning, with people taking courses and pursuing degrees for new careers, or just because. In addition institutions of higher learning offer events – symposia, lectures, concerts – of interest to an audience beyond the student body. Finally, having a nearby university can make for an attractive location
City of Wilton Manors. Facebook.
for a business incubator or for various start-up operations. And when you have that level of interest developing in a specific location, the real estate values will eventually follow, if they have not done so already. Having UM in Coral Gables, for example, is among many benefits of that community. In my next column I will name some names. I'll put it all together for you and tell you some places to start digging for gems-to-be. WMG James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate GeekSM, is a Realtor with the Wilton Manors office of RE/ MAX Preferred. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI).
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Opinion
There Goes The Gayborhood By Pier Angelo
Back in September, The Islander, a monthly publication covering Wilton Manors, published an anti-gay letter from a “concerned” citizen. The 45-year resident complained about the rampant vulgarity along Wilton Drive. This person felt that heterosexuals were marginalized in the Island City and objected to some of the names of the establishments along the drive. In other words Wilton Manors has become too gay. He went on with his rant by saying: “It's one thing to want equality it's another to try to steamroller your hunger for dominance over a city at the cost of those families who still want to live a nonsexualized, suburban family lifestyle.” What happened to Wilton Manors was a miraculous makeover that in the future will be very hard to replicate. And the angry hetero might one day regret it. Until about 2005 the only place gay people could meet was in gay venues. Not anymore. The gayborhoods’ popularity peaked at the end of the 90s, when gays still faced significant harassment and discrimination. All over the nation technological advances, changing lifestyles, social acceptance, are forcing gay villages to reinvent themselves, with local businesses having to face the reality that homosexuals feel increasingly comfortable in different corners of most cities. Gays no longer look only to the “ghetto” to live, shop and party. Thanks to mobile dating apps young homosexuals are eschewing bars and clubs as places to find partners. Nowadays gay villages across North America have become victims of their own success and of society's increased tolerance. New York's Greenwich Village, historically an affordable gay and bohemian Mecca, features some of the most expensive real estate in America. Gays began exiting South Beach several years ago after it started turning itself into Corporate America. Same thing has happened to Key West: guesthouses advertise as “straight friendly,” bars and clubs have vanished; gays have sold their homes and moved north. Alas, they are no longer settling in specific gay areas. They are not looking for depressed areas in need of a makeover. Greater Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach even Boca Raton, are all considered good places to live. For the time being Wilton Manors will remain predominantly gay but in the near future it will need to attract a greater variety of people to live and work in the area. Entrepreneurs will have to invest in more than bars or
clubs. "Gays, like straights, want good food, good stores and a vibrant atmosphere. It doesn't need to be too gay, people don't need that anymore. Even in the bars, it's a non issue if there is a 50/50 mix. Most heteros no longer feel uncomfortable mingling and socializing with homos. It is a big shift from the days of old.ww Is this good? My personal conclusion is that homosexuals have opted for a respectable accommodation with heterosexual society. We have been co-opted by the very forces which suppressed us. Gays and lesbians want to get married, to have children, to be absorbed, and they want to mirror their breeders’ counterparts. We are “Disney-fying” ourselves. Then what? We will probably one day find out that the straight world won’t let us forget we are not always invited to the table as equals or full partners. I wouldn’t wait up for a membership card into straight society. It may never come, and you probably should not want it. WMG
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Non-profits, Churches Will Have to Start Paying for Fire Services
Business
City moves to charge them 20 percent
By Michael d’Oliveira Commissioner Justin Flippen had hoped to keep Wilton Manors from being the third city in Broward to start charging churches and non-profits fire assessment fees. But, with Flippen being the only one to vote no, the rest of the commission decided to start charging those organizations 20 percent of the fire assessment fees assessed to them for 2015-2016. Fire assessment fees are levied on residents and businesses as a way to pay for fire and EMS services. The larger the facility, the more money the organization has to pay. But, until now, churches and non-profits have been exempted from having to pay. In 2013-2014, the city picked-up the tab for a total cost of about $67,000. Next year, 2015-2016, those organizations will have to contribute a total about $13,000. A second and final vote on the increase will probably be held in July during a budget meeting. “I don’t know if this is the right direction. Do we want to be the third [city to do this?]” asked Flippen, who said charging non-profit organizations and churches sent
the wrong message. The other two Broward cities that charge non-profits for fire fees are Lauderdale Lakes and Southwest Ranches. Commissioner Tom Green made a motion that the city only charge 10 percent, but only Flippen voted in support. After that, the commission approved the 20 percent increase. In defense of the raise, other commissioners also cited the message sent to the public. Mayor Gary Resnick said organizations, even non-profits, who benefit from fire services should pay something for the service and that charging them would “send a message to residents” that everyone is paying their fair share. Commissioner Julie Carson said the city appreciates the work done by churches and non-profits but that the cost of fire services should be “dispersed appropriately.” At least one resident said the percentage should be higher though. “I think 20 percent is a joke,” said Kate Donohue who proposed charging 50 percent now and 100 percent next year.
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Paul Alfieri, who spoke on behalf of Calvary Chapel, which recently absorbed Northstar Church into its congregation, said money charged to his organization would not be spent on the charitable programs it funds. “We’re here to support the community,” said Alfieri. Next year, Calvary will have to contribute about $867 for its fire assessment. Donohue, who said she paid $169.80 in fire fees last year, pointed out that many homeowners spend hours volunteering on behalf of the city and don’t get a break on their fire assessment. “Why are they any different than the rest of us?” she asked. “Everyone needs to pay. It’s not much . . . but it goes a long way for our taxpayers,” said Vice Mayor Scott Newton. WMG
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Community
Carriage House Fundraiser Successful Historical Society hopes for more
By Michael d’Oliveira
Snack Bar at the Richardson Golf Course, c. 1950's (WMHS)
Sometimes, history has a high price tag. Members of the Wilton Manors Historical Society have known that for a while now, but with their fundraising campaign to restore the Willingham Carriage House, the city’s oldest structure, they’ve encountered their highest price tag yet – and seem to have met it. “You just don’t go to the lumber yard. We need old Dade County Pine wood,” said Paul Kuta, Historical Society treasurer, on the historically-accurate restoration job his organization is trying to complete. Thanks to “Make It Happen Open The Doors,” a matching fundraiser to buy and install doors for the building that are historically consistent with the original design. So far, about $60,000 has been raised, including $5,000 from Antonio Dumas, owner of To the Moon candy shop in Wilton Manors. About $20,000 of that $60,000 was from the matching campaign started by residents Paul Rolli and his partner, Bennett Quade, but the original goal was just to raise $10,000. “They inspired people to give and they’ve gave us the chance to go forward to our citizens again,” said Mary Ulm, president of the Wilton Manors Historical Society. “It will absolutely go to the Carriage House and making the property more enjoyable.” “We’re more than a community. We’re a family. It’s nice to do something,” said Rolli, who also serves as president of the Central Area Neighborhood Association.
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Built in 1925 and located in Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve, the Carriage House is believed to be the city’s oldest structure. Originally part of E.J. Willingham’s nursery, the property was sold to George Richardson, Sr., who bought the 40-acre-site in 1938 and turned it into a nine-hole golf course. Later, a large portion of it was developed into what is now the Manor Grove condo complex. In 2007, Richardson Park was opened to the public after it was donated by Richardson’s son, George Richardson, Jr. The ultimate goal is to renovate the building and make it usable for rentals, with all the money generated going to the city, which owns the park and the Carriage House. The money raised will be used to install an air conditioning system, plumbing and electrical work, add an outside bar, build a paved courtyard and add a catererfriendly food prep area The WMHS also hopes to build a covered area on the backside of the building but that will cost an additional $45,000. WMG
Floor Plan for the Re-Purposing (WMHS).
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Business
Are 3-story Condos Too Much?
Residents speak out against proposed development By Michael d’Oliveira
Although still in its initial stages of design, a possible residential development is already drawing criticism from some residents who say it’s too much on too little land. Newberry Homes, an Orlando-based firm, wants to build multiple threestory townhome units on four parcels of land, 0.86-acres in total, on Northeast 21 Court, Northeast 3 Avenue and Northeast 21 Street. If built, it would replace existing single-family homes. “It just really screams what’s wrong with this city and developers that they could even conjure that kind of development,” said resident Michael Rajner at the April 28 commission meeting. He added that parking problems in his neighborhood, the Highlands, already negatively impact the quality of life. He blamed the city for not having adequate parking standards. “I really think the city should probably put a moratorium on new developments until you revise your parking [standards],” Rajner told commissioners. Constance Ruppender, who lives nearby the possible project, said she thinks the developers won’t be able to get the land-use or zoning code change they need to build in an area designated for single-family homes. “It’s a waste of time.” Although mostly in a neighborhood with one-story single-family homes, the development would be located next to existing two-story townhomes. Chad Newberry, vice president and co-founder of Newberry Homes, said he plans to reduce the number of units from
22 to possibly 18 but final plans have not been made yet. The reduction, he said, is because the city has told him he needs to add more guest parking and pervious ground to the site. “It’s still preliminary,” he said. But even if the project is reduced to 18 units it would still be denser than the city’s current densest area, the Highlands, which maxes out at 16 units per acre. Ruppender said the developer “didn’t think it through” and is trying pack as much in as possible just to “make a buck.” She also criticized Newberry’s efforts to gather input from residents. Newberry gave a presentation at the April 15 Central Area Neighborhood Association [CANA] meeting at Hagen Park. But a post card, with information about the presentation, was postmarked the day before and didn’t arrive in mailboxes until the day after the meeting. Newberry said the delayed mailing was caused by a delay in getting the contract signed with the owners of the properties he wants to build on. “We plan to definitely have another [presentation at a future CANA meeting].” No official plans have been filed with the city but Newberry hopes to do so soon. “I really am passionate about this project. It enhances the culture of town centers by providing more residents so people are walking to local establishments. It takes cars off the street and provides a more culturally diverse atmosphere.” WMG
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Image: NewberryCustomHomes.com
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Calendar of Events
Compiled from the Wilton Manors website
Right Photo: Wilton Manors Facebook.
Wilton Manors Green Market May 9, 10 and 16, 17 and 23, 24 and 30, 31 - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park
Wilton Manors Green Market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot. The Market features Organic Produce, Regular Produce, International Baked Goods, specialty items, spices & herbs, soups, cheeses, coffees & tea, bagels, Nuts & dried fruits, baked goods, and various other international and local vendors. The Market gives residents and visitors to Wilton Manors an exciting shopping alternative and a chance to view, sample and purchase products. For more information on The Market or to become a vendor, visit GreenWilton.com or contact Frank and Ron at 954-531-5363.
Island City Foundation - Entertainment Committee Meeting May 7, 8, 11-16, 18-23, 25-30 time varies at Sterling Tax and Accounting Services, Inc. The will be discussing and planning for the Annual Stonewall Street Festival and Parade. Call 754-200-2979.
Preschool Storytime May 11 and 18 - 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library 500 NE 26th St. For ages 2 - 5. Caregivers must remain with their children.
City Commission Meeting May 12, and 26 - 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers 2020 Wilton Drive
24th Annual Canoe Race May 16, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Colohatchee Boat Ramp The Island City Canoe Race is a seven mile relay race circling the City of Wilton Manors, which is surrounded entirely by the north and south forks of the Middle River. Teams begin the relay at Colohatchee Boat Ramp (1975 NE 15th Ave.) and paddle around the City, stopping at various exchange points throughout the City. The race ends at Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve (1937 Wilton Drive). 300-400 people will take part in the event and celebrate the City’s 68th Birthday immediately after the race at Richardson Historic Park with a BBQ, cake, refreshments, music and the Canoe Race trophy presentation.
Historical Society Meeting May 19, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers
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