Wilton Manors Gazette 11/02/16

WMG

Wilton Manors Gazette

Volume 3 • Issue 21 November 2, 2016

Election

Business

Hillary Visits Wilton Manors

Humpy’s Pizza Closes

Owner cites increased rent; unsure if he will reopen

By Michael d’Oliveira

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Wilton Manors on Sunday to make a direct plea to the LGBT community. This the first time a presidential candidate has made a public appearance in the city. Initially the campaign was to hold a rally and concert at Wilton Manors City Hall. The flier promoting the event read “Florida LGBT Votes Matter,” and “Your rights are at stake.” It was rumored that Democratic U.S. Senator Al Franken of Minnesota would appear at the event – but instead, on Saturday it was announced Clinton, herself, would drop in to speak.

Because of possible inclement weather the campaign decided to move the event indoors at the Manor Complex on Wilton Drive. That decision though left hundreds of eager Clinton supporters out in the cold. WMG

As a native New Yorker, Angela Delgado proudly states that she knows what good pizza is. Which is why she was so shocked Tuesday afternoon when she found the door to Humpy’s Pizza locked and the windows covered.

“I can’t believe it. I was just here last week. They really do have the best pizza in town, and I’m from New York. I’m very critical [when it comes to pizza].”

Along with great slices, she expressed an affinity for the cupcakes and the rest of the menu. “I was so sad.”

Don Croxton and Doug Pew, who have been married for 47 years, can’t believe it either. The two have been eating at Humpy’s for years. “What now [for lunch]?” asked Pew of Croxton as they got back into their car.

Opened in February of 2007 in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, Humpy’s was the recipient of multiple awards for its pizza, including being voted “Best Pizza” six times by SFGN readers. But it wasn’t a lack of business or satisfied customers that forced Humpy’s to close, said owner Steve DeJong.

“Basically, they’re raising the rent to the point where it’s unmanageable and not feasible to stay in business.

And they’re going to raise it every year

Photo: J. R. Davis.

for the next 10 years. They’re playing hardball. It just baffles me they’re not willing to negotiate. We have a third of the shopping center empty,” said Dejong.

He added that the increase would have meant an increase to customers.

Something he wasn’t willing to do.

“They’re basically putting us out of business. We’re very disappointed and want to thank all our loyal customers and the community which have supported us for many years.” Dejong said right now he doesn’t know if or where he will reopen.

Along with the rent increase, another factor was a lawsuit against Humpy’s for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Dejong said he fixed the problems, which were minor, but was still hit with a lawsuit.

“It’s really just a shakedown of small businesses and we’re being bullied.” He said the lawsuit was dismissed, but only because he’s closing the business. It’s just too much potentially for us to bare.”

Jonathan Gaines, a principal representing Rivercrest Realty, which owns the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, said he was disappointed he and Dejong couldn’t come to terms on the lease. WMG

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Opinion

The Election, the Commission Meeting and Other Ponderings

WMG November 2, 2016 • Volume 3 • Issue 21 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

By Sal Torre Last week I took a short vacation to visit a friend in the mountains of Puerto Rico. While it was a much-need break from my routine here in Wilton Manors, have had to work double shifts since my return to make up the time, and I’m still trying to catch up on everything I missed.

With several topics swirling around in my head, I don’t want to focus on the elephant in the room—the upcoming Presidential election. I’m sure, like me, you have already had quite enough of all the nasty ads, mudslinging, unfounded accusations, and the Jerry-Springer-like “debates” and discussions.

Unfortunately, due to my work schedule, I had to miss the wellattended rally for Hillary Clinton at The Manor on Sunday afternoon. As usual, the State of Florida is a major battleground for both campaigns, and the Democratic Party is making a big push to secure victory in South Florida. Locally the big question is who will win our two commission seats here in Wilton Manors. The race has four candidates, Paul Rolli, Tom Green, Julie Carson and Celeste Ellich. Our race for mayor looks to be another easy win for incumbent Mayor Gary Resnick.

Seems I also missed several important topics at last week’s Commission meeting. One topic, the presentation by County officials to the City Commission on the CDBG Grant funding process, is a topic I’ve been interested in over the years. This grant from the federal government goes to Broward County, which then distributes funding to cities, with Wilton Manors receiving about $65,000 each year. Monies are to be used to assist low to moderate income residents of our community. In the past this funding was only available for the Highland Estates area, but this year includes areas west of Andrews Avenue. Due to limitations on the use of funds, most recent projects had to do with infrastructure and park improvements, especially at Island City Park Preserve.

Many in our community have long advocated that this funding be used to improve the lives of low-income residents who are in need of a helping hand, perhaps to fix a leaking roof or other home improvements.

CDBG grant funds can make a big difference in the daily lives of those truly in need and where other government funding sources are not available. City staff has long argued that certain programs are not utilized by residents, that such programs are hard to manage and that funds would be better used for projects that help the largest number of our community vs. the few. And therein lies the dilemma--helping the many vs. helping the few.

Of course, the logical choice supports those in the city who look to use the funds to make park improvements which benefit many in our community. Unfortunately, the spiritual and moral side of humanity

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 Designer • Charles Pratt Internet Assistant • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira

Correspondents

Natalya Jones • John McDonald • James Oaksun

does not always follow logical thought. Is helping a few low-income residents of our city, when we have the ability to do so, perhaps a better choice?

Another important topic at the Commission meeting had to do with the ongoing discussion that the city offers broader levels of medical coverage for transgender employees. Having missed the discussion and votes taken by the city commission, I hold back from making any comments until I have the chance to find more information.

However, I catch myself on the verge of hypocrisy, and must carefully contemplate my response. Having just stated the moral and spiritual argument of not accepting what is logically best for the many vs. helping the few amongst us who are in need, perhaps I need to apply the same argument here. Unfortunately, life gives us many hard choices, and one of them happens to be the debate on who and what conditions gets covered under our increasing very expensive health coverage. I will leave that question for all to ponder. Hopefully, we will begin to demand our elected officials make the tough choices, on a national, state and local level, for the healthcare we all deserve as a human right still not recognized here in the wealthy United States of America.

By next edition of the Gazette in two weeks, we will finally be past Election Day and the results of our local election known by all.

Unfortunately not everyone will be a winner and not every voter will be happy with the results. Thanks to all the candidates who put forth such get effort and interest in wanting to serve our city. Your participation in the process benefits us all.

So, take a vacation, miss some meetings, play hooky, enjoy yourself… ‘cause it will only make life just better here… WMG

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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 Sales Assistant • Tim Higgins Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com 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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Community

Associated Press MEMBER

Volunteers Needed

Welcome Center still short

By Michael d’Oliveira adequate volunteers, we can’t expand the hours for the Welcome Center.” Once opened, the Welcome Center would be used to provide information about the city and local businesses to tourists and visitors.

But the more important goal is for the Welcome Center to be used to expand the hours of the Art Gallery. “We needed to find a way to expand our hours and create as sustainable model over time,” said Ruppender.

“But we need the volunteers to get [the Welcome

Center] off the ground.” Ruppender also plans to use the volunteer hours to get in-kind grant matches.

“We will keep careful records. We’ll treat it as an investment.”

“It’s a community project and I think its way better than a parking ticket office that was proposed [for that space] earlier this year.” WMG To volunteer, call Ruppender at 954-661-4740 or email artgallery21wcwm@gmail.com. Volunteer sheets are also on the city’s website WiltonManors.com.

Photo: J. R. Davis.

The plan is in place. The materials ready. All that’s needed now is a volunteer staff.

In order to get the city’s Welcome Center up and running, Constance Ruppender needs volunteers.

Ruppender, the founder of Art Gallery 21, located in The Woman’s Club of Wilton Manors, said she needs 32 volunteers to work two four-hour shifts a month for the next three or four months.

“We’re particularly interested in gay and straight retired couples. Working people in pairs. Without

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Which Party in Washington is Better for Broward Real Estate?

Real Estate Geek

By James Oaksun I went to Wilton Manors City Hall last Saturday morning and voted early. Soon we will know the outcome – some will be pleased, many will be relieved that it is finally over. Last Friday we had the news of additional FBI investigations of some type (still as of this writing not sure what) regarding Secretary Clinton’s email or that of her close aide’s. On the announcement of that, the stock market dropped by one percent in one hour, suggesting that the market was already expecting a Clinton victory. That got me to thinking: if we look at historical price behavior of real estate here in Broward County, has having one party in power in Washington been better than another?

Fortunately we have the data to perform that analysis.

Previously I have shown what I call the “bubble chart” based on data from the Federal Housing Finance Authority, showing price history going back to 1975. We can also adjust that for inflation so that we can see real (inflation adjusted) returns. That chart is included here with the article. We also know who the various presidents were, and which parties controlled Congress (and the times when control of Congress was divided). My concern, of course, was what to say about the 2001-2006 bubble. Real prices more than doubled, and the Republicans were in full control in Washington (pretty much the only time they were). I’m concerned that might be so anomalous as to be misleading.

So what I’ve done is considered – separately – the issues of which party has the Presidency, and which party has the Congress. This gives many more observations, and when averaging the results produces a more credible and I think more significant result.

First, consider the difference in real estate returns in times when we have had a Democratic President versus a Republican President. With a Democratic President, the average real (inflation adjusted) quarterly return in Broward real estate prices was 0.35%, with a standard deviation (a measure of variability) of 4.58%. When there was a Republican President (which included the time of the bubble and the start of the crash) the average real quarterly return was a bit lower – 0.28% – with slightly higher variability as the standard deviation was 5.06%.

So in other words, looking at the experience of the last 41 years – and past performance cannot predict future results – having a Democratic President has been a little better for Broward real estate prices, both in total returns and in overall stability of prices.

How about control of Congress? Here the situation is very different and much more clear-cut.

Over the last 41 years, we have had 70 quarters (much more than just the bubble) with Republicans in control of Congress, 68 with Democrats in control, and 24 quarters of divided

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control. Having the Republicans in control of the Congress has been associated with far, far better real estate price performance here in Broward. The average real quarterly gain during periods of Republican control was 1.67%. That’s almost seven percent per year after inflation.

Average real returns during periods of Democratic control of Congress, or divided control of Congress, were negative.

I realize this news will not please some of my readers.

Yes I know there is more to life than money. I just find these sorts of things interesting and share them with you for your information and education. And as I said, just because it happened before does not mean it will happen again. 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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Crime

Politics

Free Parking Returns to Courtyard Café Plaza

City Hall Car Charging Station Delayed

Parking plaza sold

By Michael d’Oliveira Drivers who were upset or just unhappy at having to pay to park at the shopping center where Courtyard Café and To The Moon are located, have a partial reprieve: parking is now free from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for customers who patronize one of the shopping center’s businesses.

The parking meters had caused controversy because vehicles with handicapped stickers were not exempt from paying. Oakland Park Commission candidate Scott Herman said it was disrespectful to military veterans with disabilities to charge them to park.

State law does not prohibit the owners of private parking lots from charging disabled individuals for parking.

The Gazette was unable to reach the plaza’s new owner but Nick Berry, co-owner of Courtyard Café, said he’s received coupons allowing his customers to park for free. Berry and the owners of New York Grilled Cheese and Castelli Real

Estate are still trying to resolve the situation with the new owner.

Up until recently, parking had been free. The change, said Berry, caused him to lose business because people were upset they had to start paying. Berry even received an anonymous angry letter from a group of customers who stated they wouldn’t eat as his restaurant anymore because they were being charged for parking. Berry said the issue was frustrating because he had nothing to do with the decision to charge for parking.

According to the Broward Property Appraiser, the plaza was sold on Oct. 13 for $6 million. WMG

By Michael d’Oliveira Electric car drivers will have to wait a little longer to recharge at city hall. On Oct. 25, commissioners delayed a decision on allowing the installation of an electric car charging station in the city hall parking lot.

The company installing the station, EVgo, wants a guarantee of five years to ensure it recoups its $40,000 investment.

If installed, it would be a high voltage, fast charging station that could give 50 miles of charge in 15 minutes.

But commissioners are worried that if they get a firm to enter into a public/ private partnership, to develop the city hall parking lot, the charging station could complicate the deal. Mayor Gary Resnick said the relocation clause of the agreement with EVgo was not strong enough and left the city liable for relocation costs if the charging station needed to be moved.

“We don’t want to be hamstrung,” Resnick said.

Jules Toraya, a representative for EVgo, said his company would be open to a

program that would reduce the cost of relocation the further into the contract the removal takes place.

Commissioner Tom Green, who pointed to other cities that already have public charging stations, said he was glad Wilton Manors is finally catching up.

“We’re certainly not on the forefront.”

He added that he was disappointed the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization [MPO] didn’t go through with its plan to install charging meters at city hall but he was still hopeful they would do so at Mickel Park.

The city will also work out whether or not drivers who use the space will have to pay the parking meter fees. Toraya said the company’s other stations don’t charge for parking because the additional cost makes the option less attractive to consumers.

City staff estimated the spot generates about $500 per year. “500? Oh, my god,” said Green sarcastically. Green said he didn’t want to push EVgo away by being too demanding. WMG

Community

Wilton Manors Vet Honored at Mayor’s Gala

By Michael d’Oliveira Ruthanne Stadnick says her husband, Alexander “Skip” Stadnik, looked “quite handsome” in his tux at the annual United Way of Broward County’s Mayor’s Gala.

But a tux doesn’t hold a candle to how Skip looked in his Army uniform, said Ruthanne.

“Well, his uniform, my god,” she said when asked which one he looked better in.

For his time wearing that uniform, Skip was honored at the Gala, which took place Oct. 25 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center.

“We were all very proud of him,” Ruthanne said. “There were probably 500 people there.

It was beautiful. It was a really nice affair. His son and daughter-in-law got to go and witness [him being honored].” She added that she and Skip were very appreciative of the table purchased by the city so that Skip’s family could attend. Also in attendance were Mayor Gary Resnick and Commissioner Tom Green.

Every year, the United Way honors veterans from various Broward County municipalities.

This year, 10 were honored with Stadnick, 82, being the second oldest behind a World War II

veteran. The $250 a plate dinner raises money for Mission United, a United Way program that assists veterans with employment services, legal assistance, education, financial services, health and housing support. Last year’s Gala raised $200,000.

“I didn’t get there until the actual fighting was over. I had to spend three weeks over in Korea. Then, I came back and served my four years in the Reserve in South Florida. When the Cuban Missile Crisis happened, I had to put my uniform again and go back in. I trained a lot of medics.”

He’s grateful for his time in the Army, 1952 to 1958 and four years in the Reserve, and appreciative of those who thanked him for his service. “Can you imagine being in front of 500 people applauding you? It was fantastic.”

Now, he’s looking forward to honoring his fellow veterans at the city’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11.

“I’ve already written my speech. I’m going to have [veterans at the city’s ceremony] register so maybe one of them will be chosen for next year’s Gala.” WMG

Above: Skip Stadnik at the United Way of Broward County’s Mayor’s Gala.

Right: Alexander “Skip” Stadnik during his time in service.

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Business

Wilton Manors Compromises on Trans Healthcare Michael d’Oliveira Commissioner Julie Carson.

Photo Credit: Facebook.

THE TIME IS NEAR! After at least two rejections by the city commission in past meetings, Wilton Manors will now offer employee health benefits related to gender reassignment surgery and procedures.

The change came Tuesday after Commissioner Julie Carson, who had unsuccessfully proposed the measure in the past, suggested the funding should be taken out of the reserve fund. It passed 3-2, with Mayor Gary Resnick and Vice Mayor Scott Newton voting against.

“I’ve been trying to find a way to make it work,” Carson said. She added that she understood the budget concerns but also wanted the benefits as a reflection of the city’s LGBT-friendly values. It was the fulfillment of a vow she made five months ago to not leave the T in LGBT behind. “I’ll make it work. I guarantee it,” she said in April.

So, she took inspiration from the recent decision by the commission to set aside $50,000 from the reserve fund for a train station. That money was used to show the officials in charge of the Tri-Rail commuter rail extension that the city was serious about having one of the stations located here. The money will act as a placeholder. If a station is approved, commissioners say they will take the money from another part of the budget or possibly use grant funding.

The ultimate hope by Carson and other commissioners is that federal law changes to make it mandatory for health insurance companies to cover the procedures.

The cost of the transgender benefits to the city is $33,000 and includes procedures that are considered medically-necessary.

Hormone-replacement therapy and gender

reassignment surgery, for instance, would be included. The transgender benefit is an add on to the city’s existing employee healthcare plan but officials don’t have to include it right away.

“We can add this benefit anytime we want,” said Dio Sanchez, Human Resources director.

Sanchez said that no city employees have requested the benefits yet. That lack of need was one of the reasons the benefits had been denied in the past. “If nobody’s asking for it, I don’t understand that,” Newton said. Carson said that an employee, either needing the procedures for themselves or for their child, might not have the courage to ask.

Newton added that he was against spending $33,000 “for a maybe” and that even money taken from the reserve is money that can’t be used by taxpayers because it has been specifically set aside.

Commissioner Tom Green said the city has other reserve money to use in case it’s needed.

Commissioner Justin Flippen said using reserves was a way to get the benefits without taxing residents.

Resnick said that the additional $33,000 would raise the cost of the insurance increase back to 15 percent after officials had worked to get it lowered.

Resident Michael Rajner, who has spoken out in favor of the benefits on multiple occasions, criticized commissioners against the transgender benefits for having health insurance provided by the city even though they’re only part-time employees.

He also said by not having transgender health benefits, the city is less inclusive and less attractive to talented transgender individuals looking to work for a municipality.

WMG

On Nov. 16 and Nov. 23, see the voting results for who, what, and where our readers -- like you! -- have decided is the best of the best for the LGBT community in South Florida.

Visit sfgn.com/ BestOf2016 Best Restaurant Best Movie Theater Best Take Out Best City to Live In Best Pizza Best Non-Profit Best Guest House Best Gym Best Neighborhood Bar Best Live Theater Best Nightclub Best Business Group Best Place To Shop Best Beach Best Happy-Hour Best Hair Salon Best Pet Groomers Best Spa Best Coffee Shop Best Drag Queen ... And many more!

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Community

Taste of the Island

Around Town Check out what’s happening

By Michael d’Oliveira

Walk for Peace The 13th Annual Walk for Peace will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 a.m. at Wilton Manors Elementary School. The cost is $10 for adults and children 18 and under are $8. The 3K Walk for Peace, which winds its way through the streets of Wilton Manors, is held to encourage students, families and members of the community to promote

Police survey The Community Affairs Advisory Board will discuss its police survey at its next meeting – tonight, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. at Hagen Park. The survey, which has not been released to the public yet, is designed to gauge public perception of the city’s police department. Members of the public are invited to attend and give their input. WMG

tolerance and self-confidence. Individuals who join the walk are encouraged to wear a shirt promoting their country of origin.

Children who attend must be supervised by an adult. For a $100 donation, the Wilton Manors PTA will create specificallydesigned shirts. Visit WiltonManors.com for more information. WMG

Hawai’i Festival Hula performances, live island music, Polynesian vendors, Hawaiian food and games will be part of the Hawai’i Festival on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Mickel Park in Wilton Manors. Admission is free. Call 305-771-HULA or visit HulaFlorida.com. WMG

I am the future of the LGBT community.

And I read about that future every day on my Android tablet.

Because that’s where I want it to be.

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da Fonseca Contemporânea, the newest art gallery on Wilton Drive, will hold its opening reception on Friday. Nov. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the newly remodeled Zig Zag Building, 2201 Wilton Drive. “For its premier show, da Fonseca Contemporânea presents the works of its owner, Aster da Fonseca. Aster began working in 2012 on the Silver Series, presented in this show, which represents his interest in body forms and movement. In 2014, he began including geometric shapes, inspired by many of his contemporaries, eventually abandoning his curvy, sensual works and evolving in 2015 to more geometric work. The paintings

presented in this show represent the evolution of Aster’s works and his move to Florida in 2016, hence the show’s title ‘From One State to Another.’” For more information, email asterdf@icloud.com or call 202-494-1111. WMG

Wilton Manors on Track to Increase Early Voting Turnout Michael d’Oliveira Eric Reivik likes the convenience of early voting at Wilton Manors City Hall and the tradition of placing his ballot in the ballot box.

“There’s something about the whole process which I think you miss when you do it by mail.”

And apparently, a lot of people share Reivik’s preference for early voting.

As of Oct. 30, 6,477 people have early voted at Wilton Manors City Hall. And with five days of early voting still left, it looks as if turnout will be higher than in 2012, which saw 8,459 voters cast an early ballot at City Hall. City Hall first became an early voting site in 2010. “[2012] was when it was 8 days instead of 14 days [in 2016],” said Tonya Edwards, spokesperson for the Broward Supervisor of Elections Office.

The estimate in Broward was 31,400 on the first day of voting – Oct. 24. It was the highest number of early votes produced on a single day since early voting began in 2004. Officials say they’ve also received 86,000 mail ballots out of 173,000.

“These numbers are a good indication of a healthy democracy.” said Broward Supervisor of Elections Dr. Brenda Snipes. “We want to assure voters they can vote with confidence.

We have more sites, longer hours of operation, and shorter wait times.”

There are 21 early voting sites. Early voting is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at selected sites from now until Nov. 6. For a full list of sites, visit browardsoe.org or call the Broward County Supervisor of Elections at 954-357-7050.

WMG

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The person depicted here is a model. Their image is being used for illustrative purposes only.

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New art gallery on Wilton Drive

Voting

I’m gay.

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The 11th Annual Taste of the Island will be held Monday, Nov. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve in Wilton Manors. More than 20 local restaurants will provide samples of their menus to attendees. Beverages will also be provided. All proceeds will benefit the Wilton Manors Historical Society, the Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors, the City of Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department, and the Wilton Manors Development Alliance. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at tasteoftheisland.org or at City Hall until Nov. 7. Participants include Angelo Elia The Bakery Bar/Angelo Elia Pizza Bar, Another Perfect Party, Aruba Beach Café, Bake Shop, Bar B Q Jack’s, Blue Martini Fort Lauderdale, Chef Ray, Delacaseas, Edible Arrangements, Fitlife Foods, Funky Buddha Brewery, Gym Sports Bar, Humpy’s Pizza, Kelly’s Landing, KRAVE Jerky, New York Grilled Cheese, Rumors Bar and Grill, Spanx The Hog BBQ, Tee Jay Thai Shushi, Trader Joes, Tropics Restaurant and Bar, Warsaw Coffee Company, Whole Foods and Wilton Discount Liquor. WMG

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Business

Zig Zag Building Remodeled and Reopened Owner wants to fill the space with something not offered on the Drive Michael d’Oliveira Photo: Facebook.

In a city where blinking might make you miss the opening and closing of some restaurants, Anthony LoGrande wants to ensure his next tenant is more than just a flash in the pan.

LoGrande, who recently purchased and remodeled the Zig Zag Building, located on Wilton Drive next to the city’s fire station, says he’s turned down multiple possible tenants because they wanted to open restaurants similar to those that already exist on Wilton Drive.

“I’ve been more selective. I don’t want to see any cannibalization of existing business,” said LoGrande, a member of the Wilton Drive Improvement District and Economic Task Force. “I’m looking for synergy.” The available space is 1,245 sq. ft. on the corner of Wilton Drive and Northeast 22 Street.

LoGrande wants a tenant in the mold of “What The Pho” and “Ethos,” two restaurants that serve cuisine that was lacking on Wilton Drive until they opened their doors. “I’ve actually turned down more people than I’ve entertained. I’d rather try to find somebody who wants to do something different, offer something different.”

LoGrande has also kept much of the building for its traditional use:

professional office space. Previously, the building was owned and occupied by a marketing firm. And, aside from the art gallery, LoGrande has kept it that way.

That daytime use is also something the city wants to encourage.

“Encourage daytime and pedestrian traffic” is among the city’s stated goals for economic development. Previously, officials have also said they wanted to try and encourage more businesses that aren’t bars or restaurants.

LoGrande, whose career has been focused on creating retail environments, has had his eye on The Zig Zag Building for a while. “I’ve always looked at that building and said ‘wow, what a coollooking building. It was meant to be.”

LoGrande held an event Oct. 21 to celebrate the remodel of the Zig Zag Building. Community leaders, including the mayor and city commission, attended.

Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean Trantalis, whose law firm is on Wilton Drive, also held an event the same night to celebrate the opening is his new office in the Island City Lofts. Trantalis’ old office was next to the Village Pub. “That’s the kind of thing I would love to see more of,” said Commissioner Tom Green about both openings. WMG

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