Wilton Manors Gazette 12/21/16 by The Gazette

WMG

Wilton Manors Gazette

Volume 3 • Issue 24 December 21, 2016

Community

Improvements in the Works for Dixie Highway Near Wilton Speed limit will be reduced; bike lanes added

Mayor Seiler, Vice Mayor Trantalis, Commissioner Roberts, and Commissioner Rogers join residents of Middle River Terrace for a ground breaking ceremony on the project. Photo: Facebook.

By Michael d’Oliveira When Colleen Lockwood moved to Fort Lauderdale from Wisconsin in 2007, she was an avid biker. “We rode bikes everywhere … there were all sorts of options.” But after one ride in Fort Lauderdale when she first arrived, she says her bicycle wheels haven’t touched South Florida asphalt since. That’s one of the reasons Lockwood, president of the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association, said she’s supporting the Dixie Highway Complete Streets Project to improve Dixie Highway in Fort Lauderdale from Northeast 13 Street to the Middle River south of Wilton Manors. “It’s terribly unsafe,” said Lockwood who cited the bicyclist who was killed on Dixie Highway in a hit-and-run incident in February. Fort Lauderdale officials held a groundbreaking for the project on Dec. 3. Construction is expected to begin in early 2017 and, barring any unforeseen delays, is expected to be completed in early 2018. Improvements include dedicated

bike lanes, enhanced lighting, new landscaping and shade trees, wider sidewalks, new monument signs, improved drainage, and new raised table intersections and crosswalks. Monique Damiano, public information specialist for Fort Lauderdale, said the raised table intersections will make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians crossing the road. A traffic circle will also be installed at Northeast 16 Court. No changes will be made to the width of the roadway but the speed limit will be reduced from 35 mph to 25. “For this project, it was determined that reducing the speed to 25 mph would be most appropriate given the curve in the roadway, along with the new traffic calming improvements, such as the raised intersections and the traffic circle,” wrote Damiano in an email. The estimated cost is $4.3 million – most of it from the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization and the U.S. Department of Transportation. In his State of the City Address

in October, Mayor Jack Seiler said road safety was very important to city officials. “The City Commission adopted Vision Zero Fort Lauderdale, a citywide community action plan that promotes safety on our streets through the five E’s – education, encouragement, engineering,

enforcement, and evaluation, all in an effort to ultimately achieve fatality-free roadways . . . Our efforts in transportation also include establishing an innovative program to develop comprehensive Neighborhood Mobility Master Plans to integrate traffic calming strategies to address speeding and safety issues for all transportation modes.” WMG

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December 21, 2016

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Opinion

Do they know it’s Christmas?

WMG DECEMBER 21, 2016 • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 24 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 "Do They Know It's Christmas" album.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM ASSOCIATE EDITOR • JILLIAN MELERO JILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM

Editorial

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Correspondents

NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN

Just a few days before Christmas, the holiday music playing on the radio, and one song always makes me stop, think and appreciate how blessed I am. Looking back to 1984 when a group of artists came together and released the holiday song, “Do they know it’s Christmas?,” the world seemed to be focused on one humanitarian event. Dealing with the human tragedy of starvation throughout Ethiopia, people came together to offer hope and a helping hand. Today we seem overwhelmed with numerous tragedies throughout the world with little or no hope, never mind the ability to even comprehend the scope of human destruction. There is a world outside our Island City, and it’s a world of dread and fear. The headlines offer plenty of horrible news to take in during this season of joy and merriment. Throughout the Middle East, war and destruction have killed or displaced millions of men and women and plenty of children. The largest city in Syria, Aleppo, once a thriving city of two million people now lies in ruins with a human toll beyond imagination. Turkey moves closer to authoritarianism, deadly terrorist attacks occur daily, Egyptian Christians are targeted by Islamists, refugees are on the move throughout the region, and Iraq moves closer to disintegration. We can sit back and keep singing, thanking God that it’s them instead of us; but all this human destruction takes a toll on all of us. I am not sure where this whole balkanization of the Middle East is going to lead, but eventually we will all be called to answer for such human suffering. Looking out our windows here in Wilton Manors, to a land of plenty, we do not have to look that far in our own backyard to see many in need this holiday season. Local children still go to school each day hungry, others deal with the destruction of drugs and the growing opioid epidemic, homeless individuals gather at intersections and bus stops, and so many more people need help and assistance throughout Broward County. In this season of giving, we cannot solve all the world’s problems, but perhaps we can make a small difference by supporting local organizations and charities that make a huge difference in the lives of so many neighbors throughout our region. Take the time this holiday

season to bring some holiday joy to those in need. “In our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy, throw your arms around the world, it’s Christmas time.” Looking ahead to the New Year 2017, we can only hope that our new President and his group of merry men will have huge success in making America great again. It shouldn’t be too hard, since America is still a beacon of hope and stability in a troubled world. Optimistically, by this time next year President Trump will be placing many of his promised gifts under the Christmas trees of hardworking Americans. Let us hope he does not turn out to be the Grinch who stole Christmas for millions of families that believed in giving him a chance. Here in Wilton Manors, residents should expect to see our city move ahead on numerous projects vital to the future of our great city during 2017--issues like zoning changes along the Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park Boulevard corridor, road narrowing projects along Powerline Road and Wilton Drive, approval of the architectural game-changer residential development on NE 26th Street, and a continued robust local economy. These items do not happen on their own. We must work together to make sure that our city government and our elected officials continue moving these items forward. Many thanks to Vice Mayor Flippen for wanting to take quick action to ensure that the steps laid out in the Economic Development Strategic Plan get adopted by the City Commission. The matrix detailed within the plan, recently presented to the Commission, is a roadmap for city management to move some very important issues forward dealing with the economic vitality of our city. This topic will be something to watch after the holiday season is behind us. So in closing, as the song states, “It’s Christmas time, and there is no need to be afraid, we let in light and banish shade, and in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy ….” So let us spread that smile of joy, help a neighbor in need, and help make Wilton Manors the best it can be so that we can then help the world outside our windows …. ‘cause life is just better here. Happy Holidays Wilton Manors!! WMG

TAKE THE TIME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO BRING SOME HOLIDAY JOY TO THOSE IN NEED.

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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. MEMBER

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December 21, 2016

Three Lessons From 2016

Real Estate Geek

By James Oaksun What would be the most appropriate adjectives to use to describe 2016? Would they include words like incredible, unbelievable, unusual, tragic? Maybe some of those, but how about also including hopeful? But more on that in a minute. It’s a good time to take stock and look back. A lot has happened. In the midst of it all, what are the three most important lessons we have learned in the real estate market this year?

Certain neighborhoods, certain types of properties here have a tendency to overheat. News stories have abounded of oversupply in the upper end condo market, particularly in Miami but also to a lesser degree here in Broward. Prices have been dropping, and some projects have been canceled. Looking at my recently released Real Estate Yearbook for 2016, there are neighborhoods that have declined in value in the last year, even in the face of a general increase in the overall market.

Eventually, you will reach a point where you can only sell a dollar for a dollar. You can’t sell it for $1.25. You can’t even sell it for $1.25 to someone from Russia, China, Brazil, DC or San Francisco. You can look back 45 years in the Broward real estate market and see that the long-term rate of price appreciation here has

been just slightly more than the rate of consumer price inflation. That makes real estate a good stable long-term investment. That also means the 1999-2006 experience was an aberration. It also means the 2011-2016 experience is something of an aberration. No one has a crystal ball and the future may not necessarily be like the past. But double-digit annual returns are not likely in the next few years. If we have a cooling in the global economy, particularly in any sort of trade war or “Buy American” movement, foreign capital movements that have supported South Florida real estate prices in recent years may lessen or even cease. And “Blue State” money may decide to be choosier politically, if not economically.

You don’t always get to call the game. Sometimes, someone else calls the game, and you have to adapt. When I play bridge, I enjoy playing hands at “No Trump.” But I don’t always win the bidding so I don’t always get to make the decision. And so it goes in life. Most of the time we have to adapt ourselves to circumstances that are not to our choosing, even not to our liking. And how do we do this? First, we take a deep breath and we make a clear-headed assessment of the situation in all its facets – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. All four are always present, perhaps in different quantities and forms. But

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they are always here. So I close with a word about hope, as I began. There is a lot of fear and uncertainty around. Maybe you feel it. Certainly you know people in the community who do, or among your friends and family. I see it and feel it every day in my real estate practice, and personally. I work and live right here, among the readership of this column. But the way I look at it is, every day that begins, has a degree of promise. The odds may be long, but they are not impossible. If anything can happen, that includes the prospect of something good occurring. Paying attention, being aware, speaking out, working together as a community, is more important than ever to building value here in South Florida – in real estate and in our daily lives. 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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Community

Police Survey Vote Delayed Again By Michael d’Oliveira

Consultant Hired to Provide Security Assessment By Michael d’Oliveira To better secure city personnel and facilities, Wilton manors officials have hired Burns & McDonnell, a Fort Lauderdale security firm, to provide consulting services for security risk assessment. As part of its contract with the city, Burns & McDonnell will develop a master security plan for all public facilities, identify funding sources needed for security upgrades, and educate city employees and the public on the plan created. The cost is $24,844. “Burns & McDonnell will be providing security risk assessments that are both operationally accurate and actionable to meet established levels of security protections within financial constraints. Their overall goal of this project is to reduce the likelihood or severity of security-related incidents at specified City properties using available budget. More finite goals include maintaining publicly available areas, improving security interoperability, maintaining facility aesthetics, and improving operational effectiveness of technical and physical security,” read a document from Chief Paul O'Connell to the commission. WMG

A vote on a police perception survey was delayed again and has been rescheduled. The survey, which was suggested as a way to determine what public opinion of the Wilton Manors Police Department is, was delayed. The Community Affairs Advisory Board [CAAB] came up with the idea to do the survey as a way to avoid potential trouble experienced by some other police departments. But now, CAAB is divided on whether or not to proceed. Some members now think the survey is unnecessary. But CAAB delayed a vote until the next meeting when all the members are present. WMG

The next CAAB meeting is Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. in the commission chambers.

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December 21, 2016

Business

Still No Decision on Neon Signs Vote delayed

By Michael d’Oliveira A vote on proposed regulations for neon signs has been delayed. The issue came up earlier this year and members of the city staff and police department said they would review the city’s regulations on neon signs. But commissioners want some questions answered and the proposed regulations reviewed more before they will take a vote to approve. The proposal was tabled at the Dec. 13 commission meeting. If approved as is, the proposed regulations would lift the ban on neon signs as a type of sign that is prohibited. Despite the current ban, business owners already use neon signs as advertising but city officials have not enforced the regulations. In the past, commissioners have cited wanting to be business friendly as a reason for not strictly enforcing city regulations. Under the proposed rules, neon signs could not be bigger than four square feet and no less than 10 feet apart. But

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commissioners were worried that could allow business owners with large buildings to put up more neon signs than city officials want to see. “I don’t want [lots of different signs advertising multiple items] and everything else,” said Commissioner Tom Green. He estimated that some businesses could put up six to eight signs if they wanted. That’s just not something that’s going to improve Wilton Manors.” Mayor Gary Resnick said he wanted city staff to be clear on the new regulations because they would have to be the ones who enforce them. WMG

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City

Community

WDID Board Looking to Keep Wilton Drive Clean

Around Town Check out what’s happening

By Michael d’Oliveira

Music at Mickel Concert Series Wilton Manors has announced its Music at Mickel Concert Series. It takes place on the third Friday of every month from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., except March, at Mickel Park. There will be live music, food trucks, and a cash bar. Call 954-390-2100 for more information.

Jan. 20 – Jam Port Authority performing rock, funk and jazz music. Feb. 17 – Grindstone performing acoustic rock and alternative music. March 24 – Life Line, A Tribute to Heart April 21 – The Planets, performing rock n’ roll alternative music. WMG

Friends of the Library Book Tent Event The Friends of the Wilton Manors Library will host its Book Tent Event at Hagen Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14. There will be a large variety of fiction and nonfiction books and videos for adults and children available for small donations. All proceeds go to support the Richard C. Sullivan Public Library. Donations received are an important source of revenue, allowing the Friends to underwrite the cost of library programming, the purchase of audio and video materials, and the acquisition of computers and other equipment. For more information, call 954-390-2195. WMG

Business

By Michael d’Oliveira After spending about $5,000 to power wash Wilton Drive, the Wilton Drive Improvement District Board [WDID] isn’t done. Doug Blevins, chair of WDID, said the board is looking to hire a company to remove bottles, bags, cigarettes and other trash from the street twice a week. The WDID was created by the city commission, and approved by the majority of property owners, as a special taxing district in order to raise money specifically to fund improvements to the street. Property owners on the street are taxed more but the money can only be used for Wilton Drive. It’s estimated that $100,000 per year will be raised over the next 10 years. Blevins said the goal is to spend most of the money to augment what is being spent by the Broward MPO to make Wilton Drive a two-lane road. But while the MPO is funding the construction costs of altering the road, the city is responsible for paying

for a lot of the landscaping or any other amenities it might want. Tax money from the WDID will be used to help fund those extras but that money probably won’t be spent for at least one to two years. Meanwhile, Blevins said the board wants to do something to improve Wilton Drive. “We want the business to know there’s something tangible we’re doing in the interim. Something impactful.” WMG The public is invited to attend all WDID meetings. The next one is scheduled for Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.

$10,000 Approved for Business Enhancement New program encourages storefront make overs By Michael d’Oliveira Business owners looking to improve the outside of their storefronts might be able to get Wilton Manors to pay for up to $1,000 of the cost. That money is available through the city’s 20162017 Business Enhancement Grant Program. If approved by officials, business owners can have 50 percent of the improvements, up to $1,000 reimbursed by the city. Eligible projects include permanent signage, exterior painting, lighting, awnings and items that fall under the city’s Green Building Program. In writing about the program in a document presented to the city commission, Pamela Landi, assistant city manager, said that the objective of the grant program is to encourage private investment of commercial parcels, encourage the appearance of

the streetscape along the major corridors, reduce vacancies in storefronts, and provide an incentive to improve commercial properties. “[We want to] create an environment that encourages business and economic growth in the city while maintaining its small town sensibility.” A previous city grant program helped fund the mural that was painted on the property of Wilton Discount Liquor and the mural helped enhance the mosaic located in Jaycee Park, which is in front of the store. Applications must be submitted Aug. 1 and approved projects must be completed by Sept. 30. Applicants with outstanding liens, fines, or taxes will be denied.

WMG

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