WMG
Wilton Manors Gazette
Volume 4 • Issue 2 January 18, 2017
Community
Arts and Entertainment Expo Returns Event will have shortened schedule, new owners
By Michael d’Oliveira When the Wilton Manors Arts & Entertainment Expo returns this Saturday, Jan. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m., it will be under new owners and a shortened season. The Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, which has also partnered with the city to run Stonewall, purchased the Expo, originally known as the Island City Art Walk, in October from previous owner Thomas Alford. The city’s Community Affairs Advisory Board helped sponsor the event with a $1,000 donation. The Wilton Manors Entertainment Group is now the fourth owners of the event. It’s an evening where Wilton Drive business owners host artists and their work inside the owner’s storefront. In addition to Wilton Drive, the north portion of Dixie highway, from Five Points south to Northeast 24 Street, is also included. “There have been numerous changeovers. We’re hoping over the next two years to give it a little more stability. We want to try and fix it the same way we did with Stonewall,” said Jeff Sterling, CEO of Wilton Manors Entertainment Group. “We took it over as project with the city.” The event usually starts in November but Sterling said it was delayed to January because “We got it so late in the game we didn’t want to screw it up [by rushing it].” This year, it will be held every third Saturday of the month from January to March. So far, 33 business owners and artists have signed-up, including the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, Tropics, Novel Tea, Infinity Lounge, The Zig Zag Building,
The Vape Shop, Bubbles and Pearls, Pink Submarine, Bona Pizza, Retro Video, Sterling Tax & Accounting and Buddha Happy. Business owners can host an artist for free but artists who want to participate must supply a $50 refundable deposit. Sterling said the fee is only a way to encourage artists who sign-up to show up for the event. The money is refunded after the artist attends. Musical entertainment will be provided at the Zig Zag Building. Sterling said the goal is to get the business owners to treat the Expo like an open house and an opportunity to attract more people into their business. The founder and original owner, Mary Ellen Charapko, started the event as a way to make Wilton Manors more of a destination for art. “It’s a great thing. It brings people in from outside of Wilton Manors,” said Karl Lentzer, president of the Wilton Manors Business Association. Lentzer also likes the Expo because it’s something that isn’t bar-related. “It’s kind of like that [Wilton Manors’ Holiday Craft Festival held in December] that brought in people. Anything different, that doesn’t revolve around bars, is a great asset to all the businesses.” Tony LoGrande also brought up the craft festival to city commissioners at their last meeting. He praised the event, held at Richardson Park, because it brought in lots of visitors who then frequented many of the businesses on Wilton Drive. WMG Artists or business owners interested in the Expo can call 754-200-2979 or email vpo@wmeg.org
Art by Guillermo Mazzotti, one of the artists who has participated in what is now the Wilton Manors Arts & Entertainment Expo. Facebook.com/ Gmazzottiart
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Opinion
The Circus Leaves Town WMG By Sal Torre
JANUARY 18, 2017 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 2 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305
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Editorial
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Sad news this morning as I look at the newspaper headlines. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be ending their 146-year run in May 2017. American families, especially those with young wide-eyed children, will be losing a part of their childhood. My brothers and I always got excited when the circus was coming to town. It meant an exciting day out in Manhattan to see the exotic animals paraded through the Queens Midtown Tunnel onto the streets of Manhattan leading to Madison Square Garden. The circus train set up camp on the other end of the tunnel at the Sunnyside train yards in Queens. Then a few days later mom would have tickets for us all to see the show. Plenty of excitement for young boys and girls. Looking back now, perhaps this Greatest Show on Earth had a bit more going on than just good ole family entertainment. Perhaps it played on young boys and girls budding fantasies and awakening sexual interests. I am sure some parents were also thinking along those lines. Conceivably that was part of the fun, the excitement, the lure. While my brothers were looking up at the stretched-out legs of the barely clothed young female trapeze performers, I was busy checking out the tiger tamer with his big muscles and tight-fitting body suit bulging in all the right places. My mother must have had her favorites also, since she was equally excited each year with news announcing the arrival of the big top. In the days before the internet, who knows how many secret fantasies were played out during those performances. Seeing who my brother eventually married, he might have been dreaming about Bertha the Bearded Lady instead of one of the Letka Sisters from the traveling trapeze group. Goodbye Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Thanks for the memories and the fantasies of a young boy. Breaking away from those arousing childhood memories, my attention is brought back to more current times. This past week the word “affordable” seems to be everywhere. On the national scene, the future of the Affordable Care Act is on everyone’s mind. Here on a local level, the topic this past week at City Commission was Affordable Housing and the use of the funds collected from fees on developers over the past ten years or more. Our new Republican leadership is sprinting full speed out
the legislature’s starting gate. Their first attempt was to gut the Congressional Ethics Office, now it is on to the Affordable Care Act. All reports have them ready to gut this legislation in the coming weeks, leaving millions of people totally confused and unsure about the future. When asked about the specifics, the new establishment’s battle cry is simply, “Repeal, Repeal, Repeal,” and then we will replace it with something better. What are Americans supposed to do in the meantime? This is like closing down I-95 and dismantling the entire roadway before building a better roadway to replace it. Oh well, guess we will just have to wait and see. Hopefully the Republicans have a surprise up their sleeve. Now on to affordable housing here in Wilton Manors. Two main camps seem to be circling their wagons. Commissioner Carson leads the way for rental subsidies, while Commissioner Green leads the way for home ownership assistance. Although rental assistance for needy seniors and vets seem like a great idea, it does nothing to solve the problem. It actually creates a new problem-additional city staff to monitor a never-ending program. Unfortunately, the fees flowing into the Affordable Housing Fund are not limitless; and for a small built-out city such as ours, is actually a dwindling stream. Home Ownership Assistance is possibly the better choice and can transform the lives of those who receive it. A hard-working mother trying to get by and provide for her children will see her life drastically change with the ability to own her own home, build equity, and secure a piece of the American Dream. Given a small rental subsidy each month, that same family would be stuck, just getting by month after month. While many surrounding cities offer Home Buyers Assistance programs, very few offer any Rental Assistance Programs, and those that do usually offer assistance on a temporary, emergency basis. The city might do better to use the funds to offer an incentive for a developer to come in and build affordable green housing units in our city. Hopefully city management will offer some bold new ideas for our Commissioners to review and vote on in the near future. This past Monday we celebrated the life of a great man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Some only see his work for civil rights, but he was a union organizer, a preacher, an anti-Vietnam War activist, and an advocate for non-violent change. Achieving a better understanding of this great American hero and his legacy will only make life just better here… WMG
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND THE FANTASIES OF A YOUNG BOY.
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Real Estate Geek
What is a Community? By James Oaksun We need to take a short detour to define our terms. If I am going to spend an entire year talking about community, just what does that mean? For example, I could talk about • the LGBT community globally, • the LGBT community in America or in a specific nation, • the LGBT community in Florida, • the residents of East Wilton Manors, or • the residents of a particular gated community or condo association, and they could all be considered communities at some level.
So basically, a community is either a diverse group living in a common area, or a group with common interests living over a scattered area. Or maybe a close knit group living in a common area. For our purposes this year, I think the best definition will be a diverse group living in a relatively common area – like a neighborhood association, for example. A more-detailed case with better statistics could be a census tract (as defined by the Federal government). Even more discrete would possibly be a high-rise building or three. I have an idea I am playing with concerning that. Now we can move toward the Geekery(SM) and the statistics,
and back to where I left off last time. The notion of community, I think, implies a degree of stability and not transience. Five-star hotels, and streets full of AirBnBs, commodious as they may be, are not communities. To create a community takes time, patience, and investment of of financial and human resources. It is more than a maximization of a rate of return. The initial position, which the National Association of Realtors still holds, is that of home as investment. There are benefits of building community – yes financial benefits, but also benefits that go beyond the net present value of the transaction for all the parties (including, of course, the Realtors). And for a very long time this was abundantly clear. As the largest trade association in the country, the Realtors had (and have) influence on public policy at the Federal and state level. Ownership of real estate is encouraged through tax deductions, credits, advertisements, and other societal inducements as being a component of the American Dream. But various mini housing busts over the years, and then the major crash of 2006-2011, threw all these calculations into abeyance, and brought people like the aforementioned Grant Cardone to stardom. No, Cardone said, real estate in which you live is no investment at all. Rather, it is closer to an expense than an investment! And he had a point.
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I have a neighbor who we can call Charlie. He bought his very nice, large one-bedroom new construction condo, in late 2005, for $300,000 cash. Even today he would be lucky to sell it for $200,000. So if the thesis was owning a home is always good, and the antithesis is the Cardone position of always bad, then my argument is that the truth is therefore the synthesis. The right kind of ownership, in the right place, over the proper time frame, is not only a great investment, but is absolutely essential and more needed than ever. Furthermore, a small handful real estate leaders have the information today to guide the market and lead the development of community, better than any other professionals. The vast majority, however, do not presently possess this capability. 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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City
Community
Say Goodbye to Nighttime Train Horns FEC quiet zone to be implemented this year
By Michael d’Oliveira
By Michael d’Oliveira Wilton Manors Commissioner Tom Green recently moved to a residence close to the FEC railroad track, and he’s glad the Quiet Zone will be implemented this year. “It certainly will be something I look forward to,” said Green, who also serves as an alternate board member of the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization [MPO]. The Quiet Zone, which runs the entire length of Broward County, including Wilton Manors, is intended to keep train operators from having to blow their horns at railroad crossings. With the addition of safety measures, designed to make it harder for vehicles to cross the tracks when a train approaches or is passing by, horns will no longer be necessary. Crossings along the railroad tracks, including Northeast 26 Street, will
Commission Debates Direction of Affordable Housing Program
be altered with the additional safety measures. In a letter to municipalities impacted by the Quiet Zone, Gregory Stuart, executive director of the MPO, said the safety measures exceed the standards required. The cost, $4.2 million, is funded by the MPO with the help of All Aboard Florida, the passenger rail service which will run from Miami to Orlando and include stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. WMG
Should the city provide first-time home buyer assistance? Rental assistance? Both? That’s the question commissioners will have to answer if they want to utilize $280,000 to assist low-income residents who live in the city. Commissioner Julie Carson suggested rental assistance. “Part of our goal is to reach the greatest number of residents with the resources we have. This will really serve so many people in our community.” Later, Carson said she was open to both. “I would hate to exclude one or the other.” Commissioner Tom Green said he preferred helping people purchase a home. “You help and that part is over.” He said rental assistance is more longterm and he doesn’t want to get the city involved in that kind of program and provide “eternal help.” As for people wanting to live in Wilton Manors, Green
said they can live close to the city and still visit and enjoy what it has to offer. “You can live one mile away. There’s nothing wrong with living in Fort Lauderdale.” Commissioner Scott Newton said he would like to see seniors “who have been here 40 years already” get the assistance. City staff researched available affordable housing in the city and only one property came up, an apartment complex at 2417 Powerline Road, that is managed by South Florida Community Land Trust. That organization builds and renovates single and multi-family residences to provide affordable housing. The issue will be discussed again at a later commission meeting. WMG
Business
Business Round Table Focuses on Business Improvements
Nite Life Law
By Michael d’Oliveira
If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us.
In a climate where many businesses, especially bars and restaurants on Wilton Drive, have trouble staying in business, Tony LoGrande wants to provide business owners with some tips to help improve sales. On Thursday, Jan. 19 at 8 a.m., LoGrande will host “How small investments in your business can translate to big improvements.” The business roundtable, held inside the Hagen Park Community Center, is free and open to the public. LoGrande, who owns and recently renovated the Zig Zag Building, located next to the city’s fire station on Wilton Drive, will talk about customer relations, service, social media and marketing, merchandising, signage, lighting and more. LoGrande suggests business owners keep at least some lights on at night to help illuminate the street and make it safer for pedestrians.
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Tony LoGrande
He said it also helps with the bottom line by giving customers a way to see the inside of the store and the products sold. “Keep the store lit at night so people can walk by and window shop. They’ll know to come back,” LoGrande said. WMG
For more information or to RSVP, email plandi@wiltonmanors.com. Attendees are asked to RSVP but it’s not required.
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Police
Community
Check out what’s happening
Around Town By Michael d’Oliveira
Parking Study To Be Released Soon A new Wilton Drive parking analysis undertaken by Lanier, the firm hired by the city to oversee parking along Wilton Drive, will soon be ready to present to the city commission. A preliminary study has been done but city staff members said Lanier needed to be make some changes before it would be ready for public viewing. For over a decade, parking problems along Wilton Drive have been a concern for elected officials, city staff, residents and business owners. The city has taken steps to provide more parking, including the construction of multiple new lots, but the demand for more persists. “I’m tired of talking about it,” said Commissioner Scott Newton.
Hazardous Waste Pick-up May be Expanded to Multi-Family
A component of the city’s new contract with Waste Management will allow residents in single-family homes to have hazardous materials picked up directly from their homes. As a result, the city will no longer contract with the county for hazardous waste disposal events. In additional to single-family homes, city staff are negotiating with Waste Management to try and get multi-family units to receive the hazardous waste removal service. For more information on how to arrange a hazardous waste pick-up, visit wmatyourdoor.com.
FEMA Request to be Increased
Hurricane Matthew never hit Wilton Manors but preparation for the possibility of the storm caused some damage to city coffers. Due to 150.25 overtime hours accrued by city staff in preparation for the storm, $11,700 was spent by the city. City staff had planned to ask commissioners to make a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] for reimbursement but said they would possibly ask for more after meeting with a FEMA representative. “We may be eligible for more,” said City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson. When a new figure is determined, city staff will bring the issue back to commissioners for approval.
Broward County Waterway Cleanup returns
On March 4, Broward County’s biggest and longest-running environmental event will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Volunteers are needed that day to help remove tires, trash, metal and other debris from local waterways. Cleanup activities in Wilton Manors will take place at Colohatchee Park. Help is also needed to distribute posters at restaurants, businesses and other locations. In 2016, over 1,500 volunteers of all ages worked at more than 30 locations across the county to remove 22 tons of trash and debris from waterways, rivers and canals. For more information, visit waterwaycleanup.org.
Volunteer Environmental Group Introduced
The members of the city’s new Environmental & Sustainability Volunteer Group were introduced at the commission meeting on Jan. 10. The group will focus on ways to protect the environment and make the city more sustainable. The group will also provide information on programs and events in the city, including the free tree giveaway at Mickel Park on Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. To get updates, visit the group’s Facebook page - Environmental & Sustainability Volunteer Group of Wilton Manors.
Island City University
Residents who would like learn more about how city government and the police department work can join Island City University. During this six-week course, students will learn about the various departments that help run the city. Participants will also have the chance to take field trips and interact with the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department and Waste Management. The nightly sessions will begin on Wednesday, March 22 and will run through Wednesday, May 3 with graduation scheduled for Tuesday, May 9. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31. For more information, email islandcityuniversity@wiltonmanors.com, call 954-390-2123 or visit wiltonmanors.com/401/island-city-university.
Tennis Tournament
The Island City Open Tennis Tournament will be held Feb. 4 and 5 at the Hagen Park Tennis Center. The cost to enter is $25 for singles and $40 for doubles. Entry fee includes shirt, awards and Sunday barbecue. Sponsorships are available. For more information, call Donna Kocyba at 954-390-2132 or email donnatennis1@aol.com.
Classical Concert at Hagen
A free classical concert will be held on Monday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Hagen Park Community Center. Jack Sanders, a highly praised and experienced solo guitarist who has performed and been recognized internationally for his talents, will be the performer. He has performed with numerous orchestras and symphonies throughout his career and plays music of all periods and varieties.
Fundraiser for Poverello
A fundraiser for the Poverello Thrift Store will be held on Friday, Feb. 3 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Rubio’s, 1535 N. Federal Highway, in Fort Lauderdale. Patrons who attend will have 20 percent of their check donated to Poverello’s Florida AIDS Walk team when they mention “Poverello” at the register. DJ Tony Duncan will be spinning from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. WMG
CAAB Waffles on Police Survey By Michael d’Oliveira A move to create a survey to gauge public opinion about the Wilton Manors Police Department could get approved or rejected at the next Community Affairs Advisory Board [CAAB] meeting. In previous meetings, which occur once a month, CAAB members have decided to delay a vote until the next meeting when all members were present. They’ve also voted not to go forward with the survey. But now, CAAB will hold another vote during its Wednesday, Feb. 1 meeting – 7 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting is open to the public. But Michael Goodman, CAAB chair, disagrees that CAAB is struggling with a decision. “It’s gone back and forth. There are two different mindsets. We just have to find the right mindset. It’s not this huge debate. It’s just something we’re exploring [to find] the best way to proceed. Asked how he feels about the survey, Goodman said that he wants to make sure CAAB isn’t duplicating efforts or the city doesn’t spend too much money on sending out the survey. “It might be better through other sources and we have to determine that.” Resident Boyd Corbin, who has been a consistent critic of the police department, said the survey should go forward. “It needs to be distributed.” CAAB member Skip Stadnik said he thinks the survey is unnecessary. “I personally am not for that. For one or two possible bad policemen, you’ve got 10 or 15 that are not. I just can’t see the point of wasting the tax payer time and money and our time and money [on a survey]. The police have been doing a good job.” WMG
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