Gazette Wilton Manors
Volume 2 • Issue 1 January 7, 2015
Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook
Page 3 Real Estate Geek
Page 5 Criminal Candidate Update
Page 5 CDBG Funds for City
Page 6 Pros and Cons of Parking Company
Page 7 Arbor Pet Hospital to Expand
Cleaning Up Wilton Drive
New collaborative effort by the city is in progress. Page 2
Plans for City’s Oldest Building Page 4
Photo: Susan McClellan
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Business
New Effort to Clean Wilton Drive Underway By Denise Royal
Gazette Wilton Manors
JANUARY 7, 2015 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1 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
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 • DAVID REPLOGLE
Staff Photographers
J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES
Sales & Marketing
Thomas Alford wants to clean up Wilton Drive. Literally. His mission started when he was walking his dog one night. “Being a photographer, I’m constantly looking at my surroundings. And I looked around and saw trash everywhere. The sidewalks were filthy,” he said. Alford, through his company Manic Art Designs, got busy getting the community involved and registering with Broward County’s Adopt-A-Street program. Wilton Drive is one of six streets registered. Businesses on Wilton Drive were quick to sign up and help. Hunter’s Nightclub, 13 Even, Out of the Closet are among those helping this cause. Alford’s background in photography can also be attributed to the movement’s slogan. “Clean the Drive Wilton Manors – Keeping the Drive Picture Perfect.” The first Clean the Drive effort to remove trash from Wilton Manors took place in October. More than 30 volunteers helped to remove over 200 pounds of trash. “We
worked hard and had a blast!” said Alford. The Next Clean the Drive will be Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. Prior to the clean up effort volunteers will meet at Hunters Nightclub to have a safety meeting and pass out supplies and T Shirts. There will be 2 water stations along the route and food after the event. Community involvement is key to this project. Alford also holds monthly ‘meet and greet’ meetings to get input from others, sign up volunteers and discuss the plans for future endeavors. The next meeting is set for Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. at Hunter’s Nightclub. These days, you can still see some trash on Wilton Drive, but Alford hopes to make that a thing of the past. “I have not really seen a change as of yet, the more we do it I think people will start to take notice,” he tells SFGN. WMG
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 SALES ASSISTANT • JASON GONZALES JASON.GONZALES@SFGN.COM DISTRIBUTION SERVICES • BRIAN SWINFORD 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.
Associated Press
Copyright © 2014 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
For more information, go to https://www. facebook.com/cleanthedrivewiltonmanors or www.manicartdesigns.com.
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Three Real Estate “Re-Solutions” for 2015
Real Estate Geek
By James Oaksun As another year draws to a close, many of us are making our “New Year’s Resolutions.” (Best to stay away from the gym until around the fifth of the month if you can! It may be, um, busier than usual.) I’ve got my 2015 business plan finished, and know it’ll be a great year. But when it comes to real estate, is there really anything new under the sun? Or is any resolution you could make just a restatement of a “solution” that worked well five, 10, even 20 years earlier, and will work any year? I think the answer is a resounding “yes.” So, as you make your real estate plans for next year, here are my three favorite “solutions” to consider.
1. Think long term Consider today’s chart (or if you prefer and are from the Northeast, “chaaaht”). Most people know we saw 10 years of extreme price volatility in local real estate values. But what’s the story if we look back a longer ways? Fortunately our skilled friends at the Federal Housing Finance Administration have an index of values for roughly 300 metro areas including Fort Lauderdale. Ours goes all the way back to 1975, undoubtedly before many reading this were even alive. What has happened since 2000 has been rather unusual. When you take a longer view, however, something interesting emerges. Going back to 1975, real estate values here have increased by 4.4 percent per year, compounded. That works out to roughly 0.6 points above the annual rate of consumer price inflation in that period. Patient people realize the underlying truth: real estate can be a good long-term investment in certain circumstances. They are long term buyers who largely stood aside during the bubble, and are now back in the market with realistic expectations. And just like other investments, you can earn excess returns in special situations, requiring research, patience and good advisors.
2. So, who’s advising You? Consider the very low hurdle that one must clear before they may call themselves a “Licensed Real Estate Salesperson” in Florida. You need to take a 63-hour course (eight full time days), pass an exam, then take another 45-hour course within 18 months, and pass another exam. (Someone who’s brand new hasn’t even had to pass that second course just yet!) Maybe you are reading this while getting a pedicure at one of our fine local spas and salons. Did you know the person working on your toenails had to have 1,200 hours of direct classroom instruction and practical experience (and pass an exam too) before the state would license them to use that emery board on a paying customer? There are many real estate licensees out there. No, Mary, we are not all the same. Know with whom you are doing business, and why.
3. Now, decide to decide. Your journey of a thousand miles in South Florida real estate begins with the first step. “Decision” is a curious word. If you look up its root, you find it is from the Latin “de caesa” – to cut from. If you want to move in a new direction, you need to cut yourself off from the old way. That can be difficult, even at times emotional, sad. But moving to a new level requires it. You cannot change what has happened, but you can certainly influence what happens from this moment forward. So decide to decide. Think about the place real estate has in your life, commit yourself to care and patience in evaluating it, and find good quality people to help you with the process. And have a Happy 2015! WMG
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Community
Historical Society Raises Money to Restore City’s Oldest Building By Michael d’Oliveira Snack Bar at the Richardson Golf Course, c. 1950’s (WMHS)
The Willingham Carriage House has been part of a nursery, a farm and a golf course – all the same property that is now known as Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve. Now, the Wilton Manors Historical Society [WMHS] is raising money to return the building to how it looked when it was used as a snack bar for the golf course. The building, when restored, will be used as a catering prep area for individuals and organizations that rent Richardson for events and functions. “We want it to be revenue-generating for the city,” said Adrienne Foland, WMHS vice president. To restore the building, a total cost of $165,000, the WMHS has embarked upon a fundraising effort. The city has budgeted $42,500. The WMHS has contributed $47,000 and raised about $25,000. The rest will have to come from private donations or grant money. The money raised will be used to install an air conditioning system, add an outside bar, a paved courtyard, caterer-friendly food prep area as well as repair and refurbish the main doors. The WMHS also hopes to build a covered area on the backside of the building. “Over the years, we’ve been making little improvements. We could rebuild this for less than we’re going to raise. But then you don’t have a building from 1925,” Foland said. Two of the improvements are a new cement floor
Floor Plan for the Re-Purposing (WMHS)
and the restoration of two “white way” lampposts from the 1920s that were used as support beams for the second floor. Built in 1925, 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. “Our history of the golf course is kind of fuzzy,” said Ben Little, WMHS secretary. What is known is that the Carriage House is the only one of four golf course buildings to survive and that it was used as a snack bar until the course closed in 1958. After that, Richardson sold most of the site to the developers of Manor Grove Condominiums. The city acquired what was left, 5.4 acres, in 2002 and turned it into what is now Richardson, one of the city’s most popular parks. WMG
Planned Improvements to the South Side of the Building (Susan McClellan)
The Wilton Manors Historical Society is dedicated to preserving Wilton Manors’ past and documenting history for the future. For more, or to become a member or to make a donation to the Carriage House Restoration and Re-Purposing Project, please visit us at www.WiltonManorsHistoricalSociety.org. Photos property of the Wilton Manors Historical Society - permission required for reuse
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Community
Business
City Settles on CDBG Funds
Mayoral Candidate Corbin Cleared of All Charges
By Michael d’Oliveira
Months after city officials asked for ideas on how to spend $67,000 in Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] funds, commissioners voted on Dec. 9 to spend the funding on six fitness stations at Island City Park Preserve. The city has hired Regal Contractors to build a concrete pad with six fitness stations for about $63,000. The remainder will be spent on the expansion of the rear deck at Island City Park Preserve, construction of minor sidewalk connections and four solar light pole fixtures. The park is located in the Highlands, a dense group of single-family homes,
By SFGN Staff
Boyd Corbin
apartment buildings, duplexes and condos, the only neighborhood in the city to qualify for CDBG funds. The Highlands has received CDBG monies before – for park fencing, sidewalks, a drainage system, solar lighting, landscaping and street resurfacing. Recently, CDBG funding was used to buy a small piece of property near the Island City Park Preserve. Located between two residential buildings, the parcel has 14 parking spaces and is used for overflow parking at the park as well as additional parking for city-wide events such as Stonewall. WMG
Boyd Corbin was released from any pending criminal charges for an alleged aggravated battery against a female impersonator, the entertainer Dame Edna, for a 2013 incident in the
Manchester Room of the Alibi Bar. A video surfaced on YouTube, which exonerated Corbin of the accusation, and prosecutors dropped all charges against him. WMG
Photos: Facebook
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Business
Commission to Review Cost of Parking Company Lanier “bordering on aggression” says Green By Michael d’Oliveira
ADVERTISE IN THE
GAZETTE
City commissioners want to see the costs of parking enforcement decrease, and they’re tasking the city’s parking company, Lanier, to do it. “Parking enforcement is too good, too efficient, bordering on aggression,” said Commissioner Tom Green, who said he has received complaints from residents and visitors that Lanier is too strict on how it enforces expired meters. “The reason is money,” he said. Lanier representative Kevin Brady responded, “Once in a while, we give people a break.” According to Bob Mays, finance
AS LITTLE AS $75
EACH ISSUE!
department director, the city’s yearly revenue from parking is about $620,000. Of that amount, $307,000 is given to Lanier. Vice Mayor Scott Newton told Brady to look into bringing costs down without hurting service. Brady responded, “We do everything we can to keep costs from rising.” Lanier is expected to give a report to commissioners at their Jan. 13 meeting. “I do want to look at the cost. We pay 100 percent of your costs. Everything you make is pure profit,” Mayor Gary Resnick said. WMG
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Community
Arbor Pet Hospital to Expand By Michael d’Oliveira
ADVERTISE IN THE
GAZETTE AS LITTLE AS $75
Commissioners have unanimously approved a request by the owner of Arbor Pet Hospital to expand his practice into the adjacent parcel, formerly the Shepherds Way thrift shop. When completed, the existing pet hospital, 3,934 square feet, located at
EACH ISSUE!
1220 NE 26 St., will be expanded by 5,619 square feet. The building that formerly housed Shepherds Way, now located in Fort Lauderdale, will be torn down. “We expect we will be adding staff, expanding hours,” said Dr. Louis Mogyoros, Arbor’s owner. The project was praised by commissioners and residents. “It’s a tremendous improvement,” said John Fiore, former mayor and current president of the East Neighborhood Association. “It’s a beautiful project,” said Nick Berry, president of the Planning and Zoning Board. Mayor Gary Resnick said he was “glad you’re expanding in Wilton Manors as opposed to somewhere else.” WMG
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Calendar of Events Compiled from the Wilton Manors website
Photo: Facebook
Jan. 10, 11, 17, 18, and 24
Jan. 10
Wilton Manors Green Market
Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 Brains and Balance Past 60 Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Hagen Park
Brains and Balance Past 60 is designed for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing your mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process and this fascinating class series operates based on the premise that specific exercises will decrease the risk of falling while increasing mental acuity.
Community Yard Sale
Jan. 10, 11; 17, 18; 24, 25 & 31, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park
Jan. 10, All Day at 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.
Jan. 10 Friends of the Library Book Sale Jan. 10, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hagen Park
The Friends of the Library will erect their Book Tent at the City Yard Sale. You will find used books, CDs, audio books, DVDs, and videos in exchange for a small donation. Top sellers range from books on tape to children’s DVDs, from cookbooks to gardening manuals. All donations benefit the Library. The Friends will also take your donations of books and audio and video materials at the Book Tent, or you may drop them off at the Library, at 500 NE 26th Street.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, and 26 Chair Yoga
Jan. 15
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Hagen Park
Historical Society Annual Meeting
Photo: J.R. Davis
Come enjoy the benefits of Chair Yoga. Experience relaxation, improve your flexibility, reduce or even eliminate insomnia, arthritis and constipation.
Jan. 15, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers
Jan. 13 City Commission Meeting Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. at City Hall Chambers (Jan. 23 meeting cancelled) 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Jan. 20 Classical Concert Jan. 20, 7 p.m. at Hagen Park
A Classical Concert with Violinist Linda Rosenthal and Accompanist Richard Dowling.
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