WMG Volume 4 • Issue 1 January 4, 2017
Wilton Manors Gazette
Community
Economic Development Plan Emphasizes Tri-Rail, Wilton Drive Tri-Rail.
By Michael d’Oliveira If Wilton Manors wants to significantly improve its economic situation, its needs to make four things happen: get a Tri-Rail station, reduce lanes on Wilton Drive, get a boutique hotel, and identify itself more. Those were the major points of the city’s 2016-2021 Economic Development Strategic Plan, developed by Strategic Planning Group. “You’re a very good community today. But this would move you to the next level,” said Bob Gray, president of Strategic Planning Group. In the report, Gray and his team stated that the city being awarded one of the planned Tri-Rail stations would have “a huge difference in terms of a multiplier effect.” The hope is that with more visitors going through the city, local businesses would see an increase in customers. If built, a station would most likely be located south of Northeast 26 Street and east of Dixie Highway. The boutique hotel would also supposedly give a boost to tourism and local businesses. In the past, city officials have tried unsuccessfully to form a public/private partnership to develop a hotel and parking garage on the Hagen Park parking lot. The estimated number of rooms for a boutique hotel is between 80 and 150. “They’re not very big by nature,” Gray said. In the plan, the Hagen Park parking lot and the Shoppes of Wilton Manors were identified as two
possible locations for a hotel. Linking the hotel and Tri-Rail station together is Wilton Drive. In addition to stating that the road was too wide, something the Florida Department of Transportation plans to change by reducing the street from four lanes to two, the road was criticized as uninviting, lacking a sense of place, not pedestrian friendly, and not being a major destination. “We need to move forward. It really does change the economic character of Wilton Drive,” Gray said. That sense of place, added Gray, could be improved if Wilton Manors did a better job of branding and setting itself apart from Fort Lauderdale. “We just don’t see the branding and the signage that says ‘hey, you’re here in Wilton Manors. You are a community and that needs to be visualized,” Gray said. Also laid out in the report was the need for parking solutions along Wilton Drive, the viability of all the city’s corridors, becoming an LGBT vacation destination, keeping residential home prices stable and affordable, more Class A office space, and more encouragement of business investment. Motor vehicle and dealer/parts, general merchandise and building materials were the largest business opportunities identified, but the city doesn’t have enough vacant land to accommodate them. But, Gray said, the report can be
adapted and tweaked as needed. “This is not done in stone. This is fluid. You almost have to look at everything every year.” Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said the city needs to “demonstrate our commitment” to the plan. But that doesn’t mean the commission will take up every suggestion. “Not everything will be implemented. We will do what we want to,” said Commissioner
Tom Green. While Mayor Gary Resnick added “It is a start. We needed to get started somewhere.” The commission will discuss the plan again at a future commission meeting. WMG A copy of the plan can be downloaded on the city’s website and is located in the commission agenda for Dec. 13.
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Opinion
Happy New Year Wilton Manors
WMG JANUARY 4, 2017 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 1 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943
By Sal Torre
PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM ASSOCIATE EDITOR • JILLIAN MELERO JILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM
Editorial
ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES ARTWORK@SFGN.COM DESIGNER • CHARLES PRATT WEB MASTER • BRITTANY FERRENDI WEBMASTER@SFGN.COM NEWS EDITOR • MICHAEL D’OLIVEIRA
Correspondents
NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN
As I sit down to write my article this week, having just welcomed in the New Year a few hours ago, I cannot rid myself of the uncertainty and anxiety of what lies ahead for us all in 2017. I truly want to be positive about moving forward, but given the facts, it might be foolish to believe a year from now will find us happier, safer, and more secure. The world has become a very dangerous place, with countries and old allies pulling up the drawbridges and retreating into isolationism and factionalism. No longer seeking to work together in a global village, we find the post-World War Two power structure and alliances unraveling, moving further to confrontation, as new players push their agendas forward onto the world stage. Nobody knows where this fractionalized new world will take us as we move ahead in 2017, but a smooth ride is not looking good from this perspective. So enough with the doom and gloom, pour another drink and let us celebrate all that is good right here in good ole Wilton Manors. We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for as our city moves ahead into the new year. Major changes are coming as Complete Streets projects get underway for Powerline Road, Wilton Drive and other areas throughout our region. The work on Powerline Road will have an enormous effect on the surrounding neighborhoods between Sunrise and Oakland Park Blvds. Reducing lanes to slow down speeding vehicles, adding bicycle lanes and pedestrian friendly amenities will transform the area from a rundown residential strip that butts against a major roadway into a neighborhood where families can walk and ride bikes alongside a narrowed roadway, no longer a speedway for motorist only. Bright days lie ahead for Wilton Drive also, as the state moves ahead with planned changes that will help create a thriving town center that Wilton Manors so justly deserves. Also assisting the Drive’s transformation is the good work being done by the Wilton Drive Improvement District Board. We also look forward to the upcoming zoning changes along Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park Blvd, that will make the area more suitable for redevelopment. Another bright spot for our city is the ongoing improvements
at Mickel Park. 2017 will be a great year for Mickel, with planned concert series, events, improvements to the Children’s Playground area, upgrades to the multipurpose field, free wi-fi, and much more. So many in our community came together to make sure that an underutilized, vandal ridden park was transformed into a city gem serving our residents. The city’s investment, along with additional grants from Broward County, CDBG, and others sources, will ensure that this park facility will continue to be a shining bright spot for our city for many years beyond 2017. That same commitment will help transform Colohatchee Park into the wonderful city recreational facility it should and will be. We move ahead into the new year with a sound budget, strong property values, active community members who volunteer to serve on city boards and other services in our city, a dedicated municipal workforce, long serving elected officials, a fully staffed Police force, wonderful recreational facilities, a great independent library, and most of all great residents that love to live and play right here in our wonderful city. Looking at the local level, 2017 looks like another great year here in our home town. Let’s hope our positive outlook will spread far outside our borders. The menacing world beyond will of course affect us all, but we stand on solid ground to be ready to deal with what might come our way. One local issue of doom and gloom is our water and sewage rates. Recent infrastructure shortcomings that recently came to light in Fort Lauderdale should be a major point of concern for residents here in Wilton Manors. Since Fort Lauderdale is not adequately budgeting for infrastructure improvements for water and sewage facilities, the upcoming day of reckoning will be felt in 2017 and beyond. As in the past, Fort Lauderdale has no problem passing that bill onto the municipalities such as ours that need to purchase water from them. Higher water bills will be the norm unless some regional action is demanded. So raise your glass and let’s toast our new year, 2017, wishing all a very healthy and happy! And may we continue to be diligent in our efforts to ensure that life remains just better here… WMG
WE HAVE A LOT TO CELEBRATE AND BE THANKFUL FOR AS OUR CITY MOVES AHEAD INTO THE NEW YEAR.
Staff Photographers
J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES
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2017: A Year of Community
Real Estate Geek
By James Oaksun Over the holiday season I had the opportunity to speak with many people about the state of the real estate market here in South Florida, and also about the state of our nation and the world. On reflection I have decided to devote all my columns in the coming year to the theme of community. This is a perfect topic regardless of one’s political persuasion. For example, if you happen to have been pleased with the election results, you are probably interested in seeing the Federal government do (relatively) less and seeing state and local governments do (relatively) more. Contrariwise, if you have, well, “concerns” about the imminent changes, then building strong communities and taking action at the local level can be an effective antidote. Of course, this also extends into considerations of real estate, investment decisions, buy versus rent calculations, picking a location in which to live, and even thinking about the appropriate role (if any) for the real estate professional of today, and the hypothetical real estate professional of the future. There is an awful lot of pessimism and fear out there. But as I said in a recent column, I am actually very optimistic, certainly in the longer run. And one of the reasons for that is because of the sense of community that always forms, in some way, and sees us through. The first sentence of the preamble of the National
Association of Realtors Code of Ethics is, “Under all is the land.” In non-virtual communities anyway, that is definitely the case. Without the land, you have nothing. It is what we do with that land that makes all the difference. Now, what has been done on the land in many places here in South Florida and elsewhere, is that single family homes have been built. Traditionally, these homes have been considered “investments” in addition to places to live. But this conventional wisdom has come into some question. The selfhelp writer and blogger Grant Cardone (who has more Twitter followers than I do), is well on his way to becoming the bete noire of NAR and every Realtor in America, saying several times a week what a bad idea it is to buy a home. Moreover, I recently read a book by a retired bank CEO (rumored to have been on the short list for Treasury Secretary) where he argued that a single family home was not only not an investment, but was a consumption item! Well, I have never been a bank CEO (yet) nor have I (yet) been considered for Sec Treas. But I do know that as long as the land and community are there, a single family home will not be a consumption item. And I have a lot of statistics to share on that in the next couple columns. But it is time for some straight (or if you prefer, gaily forward) talk about how good an investment a single family home can be. For the fact is, I believe it is possible to do a disservice to
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make unsupported claims about the future based on the past, especially if you assume that certain government policies will always continue. The role of the real estate professional is going to change. The good news is, it is going to change, ultimately, in ways that will build community and enhance the professionalism and reputation of the industry. The bad news is, there is going to be a shakeout and considerable denial, in part around the issue of “home as investment”. I will explore this in more depth in my next column. WMG James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate Geek(SM), is BrokerOwner of New Realty Concepts in Oakland Park. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).
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Police
Police Launch Safety Campaign for Pedestrians By Michael d’Oliveira In his department’s newly-launched safety campaign, “Alert Today – Alive Tomorrow,” Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell asks pedestrians to take steps to ensure their safety. “We need your help to encourage your friends, your neighbors, and your family members to follow the rules of the road,” said O’Connell in a YouTube video that appears on the city’s website. In the video, O’Connell asks pedestrians to follow three tips: always use the crosswalk, wait for the crosswalk signal, and stay alert. The video was uploaded to YouTube last march but made a part of the new safety campaign. But emphasizing the use of crosswalks is nothing new on the part of O’Connell. In June of 2015, he urged everyone to use crosswalks as a way to improve pedestrian safety. As part of “Alert Today – Alive Tomorrow,” a Florida Department of Transportation program, police will
be focused on major roads in the city, including Wilton Drive, Andrews Avenue, Oakland Park Boulevard, Dixie Highway, Powerline Road and Northeast 6 Avenue. The campaign will start off as an education program with police handing out safety pamphlets. Then, officers will begin issuing verbal and written warnings to pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists who violate state roadway laws. Officers will hand out citations in the final phase. The safety of pedestrians along Wilton Drive has been a big issue in the last few years, and has included another campaign to ticket jaywalkers, protests by residents and visitors for more action by the city, and the effort to reduce the number of street lanes from four to two as a way to make the road safer. In the past, commissioners have taken action to improve safety, including successfully lobbying the
Florida Department of Transportation to install more crosswalks. But while commissioners promised more action, they also said people need to take personal responsibility and use the crosswalks. “If we put 10 more [crosswalks] in it’s not going to make a difference,” said Commissioner Scott Newton in June of 2015. At the same time, Mayor Gary Resnick said people will continue to jaywalk, no matter where the signal is placed, if it’s more convenient. “You cannot change human behavior.” A month later in July of 2015, Greg Futchi, 68, was killed while crossing Wilton Drive. According to police, Futchi and other pedestrians who were hit by cars were not using crosswalks. WMG For more information on the safety campaign, visit wiltonmanors. com/422/pedestrian-bike-safety.
Police Chief Paul O’Connell speaking on issues of crime in Wilton Manors back in 2014.
Powerline Road Lane Reduction Set for Jan. 3
Community
Lane closures expected By Michael d’Oliveira
In the new year, it will be a new look for Powerline Road in Wilton Manors. Construction on the road is slated to begin Tuesday, Jan. 3. Once complete, which is estimated to be in the Summer of 2017, the road’s six lanes will be reduced to four. The improvements will be made along Powerline Road from Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale north to Northwest 29 Street in Wilton Manors. The rest of the project includes removing old asphalt and resurfacing the roadway, constructing new sidewalks, upgrading crosswalk ramps to meet ADA requirements, upgrading drainage structures, upgrading existing pedestrian signals to countdown timers, upgrading signs and pavement markings to reflect the new roadway configuration which includes two 11-foot wide travel lanes and a 6-foot wide bike lane separated by a 3.5-foot wide buffer in each direction
During construction, single lane closures are scheduled for Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Up to two lanes may be closed overnight Sunday through Thursday between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The cost, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, is $2 million – a contract awarded to Community Asphalt Corp. Boyd Corbin, who has been a vocal opponent of the project, expressed continued opposition on Facebook on Dec. 29. “Two less lanes on Powerline. Two less lanes on Wilton Drive (coming soon). Two less lanes on A1A. Two less lanes on NE 13th Street. There’s talk about planting trees down the middle of Andrews Ave. Hundreds MORE condos on the way which means MORE cars. This means MORE TRAFFIC JAMS. City, County and State government is to blame for this mess. I’ll bet they REPLACE these lanes within 10 years.”
WMG
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Business
Wellness Center Stirs Debate Over Business Character of ‘The Drive’ By Michael d’Oliveira
Even as city officials struggle to bring daytime businesses to Wilton Drive, known for its nightlife, they’re hesitant to open the door to something that might change the character of the Arts & Entertainment District. A discussion about the business character of Wilton Drive came up at the Dec. 13 Commission meeting when the owners of Thrive Spa and its supporters talked about the city allowing Thrive Spa to open in Gables Wilton Park. Currently, medical clinics, are not allowed within the Arts & Entertainment District. Asked how a doctor’s office is allowed, Roberta Moore, Community Development Services director, said doctor offices are considered offices. Dr. Scott Irwin said Thrive Spa, which has opened temporarily on Northeast 26 Street, will offer smoking cessation and use IV therapy to reduce inflammation and treat other conditions. “It was my dream to build a medical practice in the heart of Wilton Manors and create a quit [smoking] center.” He said the LGBT community experiences disproportionate number of smoking deaths. Studies have shown that high stress levels, associated with coming out and the social stigma of being LGBT, is a main cause for higher levels of addiction to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products. Supporters of Thrive Spa talked about how important it was to give the LGBT community here a place to come and get help with the addictions many struggle with. Steve Hamilton, a Wilton Manors resident, said he was a recovering addict
whose “only crutch left” was cigarettes. He credited Irwin with helping him beat his last addiction. One he had for 28 years. “I didn’t get clean and sober to die from an active addiction to cigarettes.” Commissioner Julie Carson said Thrive Spa was an opportunity to diversity Wilton Drive’s economic base, getting away from just bars and restaurants, and attracting more visitors during the day. She added that she knows an acupuncturist who also wants to open her business on Wilton Drive but won’t come yet because they’re not allowed. “It would bring a great daytime business to our city. My hope is to see how we can address allowing this business to exist.” Kerry Ezrol said the city could allow the Thrive Spa to open on Wilton Drive through changing the code, making a special exception or going through Planning and Zoning. But Mayor Gary Resnick suggested altering the zoning laws for the Arts & Entertainment District could have unintended consequences. “While you may like [Thrive Spa], you may not like someone who provides the exact service but it’s called pain medication. I don’t think this type of business is really consistent with what we’re doing on Wilton Drive.” Vice Mayor Justin Flippen asked if middle ground could be sought. He said he found it “very odd” that businesses could sell vaping supplies and cigarettes but a clinic dedicated to wellness was prohibited. “What should we do about that?” he asked. WMG
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Community The Zig Zag Building. Facebook.
Historical Society Brings History to Wilton Drive By Michael d’Oliveira History is popping up on Wilton Drive. In an effort to get more exposure for the Wilton Manors Historical Society, the Zig Zag Building has been made into a temporary museum. Inside the Zig Zag Building, 2201 Wilton Drive, Historical Society members have put three old photographs on display: a car crash at Five Points, one of Manor Market, which is now the strip mall the Zig Zag Building is attached to, and one of Tropics before it became Tropics. “Those are the three old photos that people like the most,” said Adrienne Foland, vice president of the Historical Society. In addition to the photographs, there are also Historical Society books for sale, including Wilton Manors From Farming Community To Urban Village, membership pamphlets, a display board in a window showcasing a 1920s Wilton Manors sales brochure, and an advertisement for the Historical Society’s annual meeting – Thursday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Manor House at Richardson Park.
“The minute we put up the display boards people walking by stopped and started reading it,” said Foland, who thanked Anthony LoGrande, owner of the Zig Zag Building, for letting the organization use the space for free. At the event, the Historical Society will honor Nancy Sawallis, a resident who lived in Wilton Manors for 70 years, and Arthur Chabot, a former village council member who was one of the city’s first realtors. He built apartments behind the strip mall where Out of the Closet is located. Chabot served on the council from 1947 to1952 when Wilton Manors had not yet incorporated as a city. Also being honored are the developers who replaced the former trailer park with the current Belle Isle development. The annual meeting is free and open to the public. “It’s very fun and educational and it doesn’t always get a lot of turnout,” said Foland about the annual meeting. “Which is too bad because it’s such an interesting event.” There will be hors d’oeuvres, wine and refreshments. WMG
WE HAVE A LOT TO CELEBRATE AND BE THANKFUL FOR AS OUR CITY MOVES AHEAD INTO THE NEW YEAR.
The historical display will be open Friday, Jan. 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. Other hours may be announced soon. For more information on other operation times, call 954-205-6594.
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Community
Resnick appointed vice chair of technology committee
Around Town Check out what’s happening
By Michael d’Oliveira
Free Tree Giveaway Wilton Manors residents can choose from six different tree species and various shrubs during the city’s second annual Free Tree Giveaway on Saturday, January 21 starting at 9 a.m. at Mickel Park. Each household will receive two trees and one shrub (more if possible) but supplies are limited. Items are given out on a first come, first-served basis. Prior to receiving planting materials, residents will be required to visit educational stations related to the National Wildlife Federation, proper planting, pruning and tree selection. Proof of residency is required. Call 954-390-2105 for more information. WMG
Mayor Gary Resnick has been appointed the vice chair of the National League of Cities’ 2017 Information Technology and Communication Federal Advocacy Committee. The committee is responsible for developing the National League of Cities’ federal policy positions on issues involving telecommunications and information systems, and public access to those systems. It also works on privacy concerns, cable TV, phone services, spectrum issues, communications tower siting, universal service, broadcasting and defense of city rights-of-way from degradation caused by installation of communications facilities.
Art Expo
Shred Event Wilton Manors will host a free shred event for residents on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hagen Park. Proof of residency is required. WMG
Business
The Wilton Manors Art & Entertainment Expo will be held Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. Art lovers can walk up and down Wilton Drive and see the work of various artists hosted by Wilton Drive business owners. The event is free and is held on the third Saturday of the month from January to March. Visit wmae.org for more information. WMG
“I am honored to be selected to serve on the ITC federal advocacy committee and represent the City of Wilton Manors,” said Mayor Gary Resnick. “One of my key goals for the coming year is to have public wi-fi installed in Mickel Park. With the oversight from the ITC committee, we can help ensure cities are protected as expansions in telecommunications and information systems continue.” WMG Visit nlc.org/influence-federal-policy/policycommittees for more information on the National League of Cities and its committees.
Commission To Vote on Fire Station Remodel A vote on which company will be given the contract to renovate the interior of the city’s fire station will be held Jan. 10 or 24. Republic is the company city staff will recommend for the contract. The final decision will be made by commissioners. The renovations include the modeling of the kitchen, remodeling of bathrooms to comply with ADA standards, replacement of ceiling tiles, new windows, new handicapped ramp, replacement of ventilation and new air conditioning duct work. WMG
Coming Soon: Walmart Approved in Oakland Park By Michael d’Oliveira Years after purchasing the former Kmart site and multiple rejections by the city commission, Oakland Park has approved Wal-Mart’s plan to build a 121,345 square foot store. The city commission and Wal-Mart executives finally resolved their last dispute over the undergrounding of powerlines along the east and west portions of the property, located at Oakland Park Boulevard and Northeast 6 Avenue. The city’s code requires powerlines be undergrounded but, according to city staff, no business has ever requested a waiver. “I think that’s important to recognize,” said Mayor John Adornato. The mayor, Commissioner Matthew Sparks, and Commissioner Michael Carn voted in favor of allowing Wal-Mart to build its new store without burying the power lines. Vice Mayor Tim Lonergan abstained, citing a conflict of interest. Commissioner Sara Guevrekian, who has opposed the project from the beginning, voted no and said the city
shouldn’t be ignoring its own rules. “Wal-Mart made a business decision to purchase the property without approvals. Didn’t like the way it came out and now are choosing to fight with us tooth and nail,” she said. In a previous interview, Steven Wherry, the attorney representing Wal-Mart, said the retailer would most likely sue the city if commissioners didn’t approve the project. City Attorney D.J. Doody said the city would have a tough time winning if Wal-Mart had sued. The property is already zoned for Wal-Mart’s use and the proposed building is only 4,000 square feet bigger than the former Kmart building. Wal-Mart also could have moved into the current building without approval from the city. As part of the plat approval process, Wal-Mart has offered to limit truck delivery times, prevent its trucks from using Northeast 6 Avenue, install solar panels on its building, provide Oakland Park with a $100,000 letter of credit for landscaping and $300,000 for the city’s tree fund. It also agreed to provide a greeter and hire BSO officers to work private details if incidents of crime increase.
“Wal-Mart truly wants to be part of this community,” Wherry said. “Is this good for the city or bad for the city? I’ve heard people say both,” Adornato said. As for the possible impact on local businesses, Linda Damiani, owner of The Bedpost Furniture and Home Décor, located across the street from the old Kmart, said she hopes Wal-Mart brings people back to Northeast 6 Avenue. “The street’s been dead [since Kmart closed]. It’s been almost the worst year I’ve had. When Kmart was there, people would come out of Kmart and see my store. For me, personally, I’m tired of looking at a dead building. I want some kind of business there.”
WMG
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