12/3/14 v1i9 by The Gazette

Gazette Wilton Manors

Volume 1 • Issue 9 December 3, 2014

Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook

Pages 2 Panhandling Banned

Pages 4 Humans of Wilton Manors

Pages 7 Poverello Lease Under Scrutiny

Pages 7 Future of the Drive

Pages 8 Calendar of Events

Bubble, is Thy Name WilMa? Knowledge is power in real estate. Page 3

City Improves HRC Score Page 5

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Business

Wilton Manors Bans Gazette Panhandling at Intersections Wilton Manors

December 3, 2014 • Volume 1 • Issue 9 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

By Michael d’Oliveira In a 4-1 vote on Nov. 25, commissioners voted to ban panhandling at certain intersections. The ordinance prohibits panhandling, selling and solicitation in the roadway within 200 feet of any intersection on Wilton Drive, Dixie Highway, Northeast 26th Street, Oakland Park Boulevard, Andrews Avenue, Northeast 6th Street and Powerline Road. A 30-day grace period is in effect to give the police time to inform people about the law. Only warnings will be issued during that time. Commissioner Julie Carson, the only no vote, opposes the law because she’s worried it could cost the city a lot of money to enforce it. If the city prosecutes someone who breaks the law it would be responsible for funding that person’s legal defense. Officials are unable to provide an estimate of what that would cost. Mayor Gary Resnick said the ordinance was not crafted to target individuals who are homeless. Panhandling, he said, is dangerous to the panhandlers and drivers. “It does have something to do with the homeless. But they shouldn’t be doing that anyway,” said Commissioner Tom Green. At the same meeting, commissioners talked

Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

about ways the city can help the homeless. Vice Mayor Scott Newton said he wants the city to propose a resoultion asking Broward’s cities to pass a county-wide one-percent sales tax on liquor sales. The money generated would be used to fund programs designed to assist homeless individuals with finding a job or a residence. “Every little step could help,” said Newton. A similiar tax already exists in Miami-Dade County and could be implemented in Broward. The commission will hold off on crafting a resolution until it knows more about current sources of funding for homeless individuals. Newton’s resolution may not find much support from bar and restaurant owners though. Nick Berry, who co-owns Courtyard Café and Rumors, both on Wilton Drive, said he would oppose any additional taxes on bars and restaurants that sell alcohol. “Why shouldn’t the residents pay too? Do it ad valorem [property taxes]. I don’t think it should be put on businesses.” He warned it could hurt business in the city because bars that sell liquor have to absorb sales tax on drink sales. “I’m 100 percent against it.” WMG

Vice Mayor Scott Newton also wants the city to propose a resolution for one-percent sales tax on liquor, which would help fund programs to assist homeless individuals.

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Online Producer • Dennis Jozefowicz dennis.jozefowicz@sfgn.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

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

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Bubble, is Thy Name WilMa?

Real Estate

Meet The Real Estate Geek By James Oaksun High season is here, and LGBT people from around the world will be visiting Wilton Manors. Many will consider relocating to this special place, or perhaps investing in a second or retirement home. Knowledge is power in real estate. Before you buy, before you sell, you need to know the facts on the ground. What should people – visitors and locals both – know about valuations here in the Island City? The best way to learn that, is to go right to the numbers: pricing trends throughout Wilton Manors, by month, going back to 2010. Officially, Wilton Manors is divided into three neighborhood associations. My next article will break that down a little more clearly. But for now let’s use the official classifications. I use median prices in my analyses. That means half the homes are priced higher, and half lower. In my opinion this is a better measure than the average price, which outlier values can skew. I also exclude distressed sales from the calculations. Do you think a 79-percent price increase in two years constitutes a bubble? That was the increase in the median price of a single family home east of Dixie from the market trough in late 2011 to the end of 2013. But things may have gotten a bit ahead of themselves. Over the last nine months, prices have actually decreased by eight percent. Condos and townhomes on the east side have not had nearly as dramatic a price movement. We saw a 31-percent increase from the trough to a short-term peak last fall, and, just as with single family pricing, an easing since then – by about five percent. Single family home prices in the center of town (Andrews to Dixie) jumped dramatically from the market trough in early 2011. Over the next two years, prices went up by 75 percent. Again, that’s right – 75 percent. Then, from that peak at the end of the 2012-2013

high season, prices temporarily dropped sharply. Another acceleration then began in fall 2013 that has continued to the present. Single family homes in the center of town are now at the highest prices we have seen in five years. Condos and townhomes in the center of town have had a notable acceleration in prices also. We saw an 84 percent increase from the trough to a short term peak at the end of last high season. Then there was a sharp drop in prices in a short period, before the runup in prices began again. West of Andrews, there has been considerable volatility in recent years. Prices blasted forward in the 2011-2012 high season. Trough to peak, the gain was more than 60 percent. Then, as soon as that season ended, prices collapsed temporarily until late 2012, when they started moving ahead again. From that short term trough, prices increased by 43 percent to the end of September 2014. Let’s end with a little quick and dirty real estate math. From the pricing trough to the end of September 2014, the compounded rate of appreciation has been 20 percent per year in many parts of the city. Assuming a typical investor down payment of 30 percent, that’s a cash on cash return of 67 percent per year before expenses. Those with the foresight to invest at or near the trough have made a tremendous return on their capital in a very short period of time. Is it time to sell? Or, considering even higher valuations in other parts of the country and political volatility throughout the world, is it time to buy? WMG James Oaksun, Broward’s Real Estate GeekSM, is a Realtor at the RE/MAX Preferred office on Wilton Drive. In addition to holding degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).

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Humans of Wilton Manors Photos By David Replogle Humans of Wilton Manors is an attempt at capturing the exhaustive, diverse community of Wilton Manors. The project was inspired by Humans of New York, a Facebook page, which uses photographs and quotes to provide strangers with a view of the daily life of people in New York. Humans of Wilton Manors is posted at Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews every day at noon or check out SFGN. com/HOWM to see them all. WMG

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self? “Don’t get into trouble and go to college.”

What is your favorite song? (from left to right) “When I Come Around By Green Day”, “Falling Down the Mountain (Kiss the Dirt) By INXS”, “He Stopped Loving Her Today By George Jones”.

What was the first job you ever had? “My first job was on a Christmas tree farm, then after that I was a bag boy.”

What is your favorite food? “Well Since I’m at work (New York Grilled Cheese Co) I would have to say our Disco Fries or our bacon lollipops, they’re a life changing experience. New York Grilled Cheese is my favorite food ever.”

How did you two meet? “Friends through Front Runners which is a gay running group for over 6 years.”

What was the first concert you attended? “Guns and Roses with the opening band Skid Row.”

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Community

Business

Controversy Erupts Over City’s Lease to Poverello

Wilton Manors Improves HRC score

By Michael d’Oliveira

The non-profit’s lease is up for renewal in December

As commissioners get ready to renew Poverello’s lease on a city-owned property near Dixie Highway, one property owner raised objections to the $6 a square foot price the non-profit pays for the space. In a series of emails to commissioners and city officials, Joe Pallant, who owns Pallant Insurance on Northeast 26th Street, urged commissioners to charge more for the building. “I have nothing against Poverello at all, they are a fine organization, I am only looking out to bring extra revenue into the city,” Pallant wrote. Pallant has since withdrawn those objections. Poverello, an organization that provides services to low-income and homeless individuals and families affected by HIV/ AIDS, has leased the 4,005 square foot space, from the city for $27,371 per year since January 1, 2012. The lease expires Dec. 31 of this year and commissioners will discuss the issue at their Dec. 9 meeting. Assistant City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said the rate, based on the Consumer Price Index [CPI], will automatically increase. The new number will not be known until the CPI is released in December. The building, formery used by the city as office space for its Community Development Services Department, is located right off Dixie Highway at 2200 NE 12th Ave. Poverello now uses it as its Live Well Center. The facility includes a gym, massage services, chiropractic treatments, smoke cessation counseling and a reiki support group. Pallant suggested in an email that the city should charge at least $10 per square foot. If the city does fail to renew the lease, Poverello’s CEO Thomas Smith said the clients, many of whom live in Wilton Manors and are poor, will be the ones to suffer. “We have no way of procuring a new place to go and moving all that equipment in that amount of time. I feel bad for the clients.” Commercial renters surveyed along Dixie Highway say that their rents range from about $1.20 per square foot to $16.05 per square foot. One renter, who pays about $1.50 per square foot, signed her lease three years ago and thinks the low rate is due to the economic recession that occurred at that time.

Apparently, a little paperwork goes a long way. After taking another shot at the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index [MEI] report, Wilton Manors received a score of 105; an improvement over the score of 82 it received this past summer. The MEI is used to rate how well city officials treat their LGBT employees – including health benefits, hiring practices and having an inclusive workplace environment – compared to heterosexual employees. It also evaluates how well officials interact and communicate with their LGBT residents. “The city had just not documented some of the things we’ve done,” said Commissioner Tom Green, who, with assistance from local activist Michael Rajner, spearheaded the effort for an improved score. Rajner, who echoed Green about how the city didn’t properly document its LGBT-friendly policies and procedures, said the city has a chance to be a leader to other municipalities on this issue. “It’s a great, great thing for the city and will benefit us for years to come,” said Commissioner Julie Carson. Wilton Manors’ score is comprised of 87 total points, out of 100, and 18 bonus points. According to the MEI, the city lost four points for not having transgenderinclusive healthcare benefits, five points for not having an LGBT liaison to the city executive and four points for not having an LGBT police liaison or task force. Private insurance companies don’t offer trans-inclusive benefits, including gender reassignment surgery, so Carson asked city staff members to look into other ways of possibly funding the benefit. The city’s bonus score includes points for employee benefits, having an inclusive workplace, having openly LGBT officials, support for LGBT elderly and youth and supporting services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Part of the improved score came from

Tim Abbott, who owns Retro Video, a video rental store on Dixie Highway, also pays around $1 per square foot and said Dixie Highway was one of the more affordable areas in the city. “Everywhere else we looked was a lot.” City Manager Joseph Gallegos said Poverello was the only entity interested in the building after city staff vacated it. “I think you may have forgotten that the city advertised this property at market rate for rent for a period of six months with no takers prior to granting a lease with Poverello,” Gallegos wrote to Pallant. Mayor Gary Resnick added, “It wouldn’t be fair to screw Poverello now.” Pallant responded that the city’s marketing strategy wasn’t adequate and, now that the economic situation has improved, the city should be able to get more than its current price. Commissioner Julie Carson said she might support leasing the building to another renter for more money, but only if an agreement was proposed by the December commission meeting. Pallant said he doubts an agreement could be prepared in time for the meeting. That may not matter though. “Poverello is a non-profit that tends to those people affected by the AIDS virus who can no longer provide sufficiently for themselves and their families,” Gallegos wrote. “A below market lease to such an organization certainly extends the desire of the commission to assist the needy of our community, particularly as relates to a facility that was no longer needed for city purposes.” WMG

the city being awarded five points for its “city contractor non-discrimination ordinance” and “city contractor equal benefits ordinance.” The city’s non-discrimination and equal benefits ordinances were passed in 2013. Firms doing business with the city are required to provide the partners of their LGBT employees with the same healthcare benefits as partners of their heterosexual employees. Officials questioned why a city commission with a majority gay/lesbian commission would need a LGBT liaison. “We don’t need that,” said Green, who added that other cities in less LGBTfriendly areas do need a liaison between them and their LGBT populations. Wilton Manors was one of four Florida cities to receive a score of 100 or higher, including bonus points. Orlando (101), St. Petersburg (103) and Miami Beach (118) were the other three. Some of the other Broward cities included were Oakland Park (87), Fort Lauderdale (76) and Hollywood (61). This summer wasn’t the first time the city got below 100 though. In 2013, Wilton Manors got a score of 82; Salt Lake City got an 87. Back then, Green also argued, unsuccessfully, in favor of the city addressing its score. “I knew when we came in behind Salt Lake City last year there was something wrong.” This time, Green was much happier with the response of the rest of the commission. “I’m happy the mayor [who previously said trying to improve the 82 score would be “a waste of staff time”] is thrilled about this.” Mayor Gary Resnick praised the efforts of Green and Rajner. “It’s getting national press.” Multiple phone messages left with the Human Rights Campaign were not returned in time for publication. WMG

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Special

Best Of 2014 Congratulations to the Winners The Wilton Manors Gazette’s parent publication SFGN recently held its annual Best Of contest where readers voted for their favorite spots in South Florida. The Gazette would like to congratulate all of the winners in Wilton Manors. Below is a list of them:

Best Place to Shop To The Moon

Best Thrift Shopping Poverello

Best Non-Profit Pride Center

Best Bartender (Guy) Sal DeFalco from Hunters

Best Boutique Gym Steel/Crunch Best City to Live Wilton Manors

Best Bartender (Gal) Tie Lisa from Village Pub/ Vicki from Boardwalk

Best Nightclub Hunters

Best Hair Salon Richards

Best Happy Hour Village Pub

Best Local Celebrity Jennifer McClain

Best Coffee Shop Java Boys

Best Sub Pink Submarine

Best Restaurant & Burger Rosie’s

Best Spa Cabanas

Best Pizza Humpy’s Best Dessert Storks Best Bar Village Pub

Best Dog Groomer & Walker Wilton Manors Doggie Daycare

For a complete list of all of SFGN’s winners please visit SFGN.com/BestOf2014 WMG

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Community

Commission Tweaks Wilton Drive BI D

Final approval could come at Dec. 9 meeting

By Michael d’Oliveira

Mayor Gary Resnick said the city is letting business owners “put their money where their mouth is.” The city’s push towards greater funding for Wilton Drive improvements moved forward on Nov. 25 when commissioners refined the details for the street’s planned Business Improvement District [BID]. “Now the devil’s in the details.” Final approval could come as early as the Dec. 9 meeting. The vote was delayed because commissioners wanted more time to get input from business and property owners. At their Oct. 28 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved implementing the BID. If approved, the BID would establish a board that would levy a special assessment on Wilton Drive property owners. The additional money raised would be used to fund improvements on the street. Additional parking is a leading contender for how the money would be used but the ultimate decision would be up to the board. At their Nov. 25 meeting, commissioners, with unanimous support of audience members who spoke at the meeting, agreed the board would be comprised of three property owners, three tenants and one resident who live near Wilton Drive – all with staggered terms. Nick Berry, who co-owns Rumors and Courtyard Café, both on Wilton Drive, said the board should only be made

up of individuals who have some kind of financial contribution to the BID. Commissioners Julie Carson and Tom Green agreed. The majority of commissioners prevailed though. Resnick said improvements to Wilton Drive could possibly have a negative affect on the property values of the surrounding neighborhoods. “If that’s not monetary I don’t know what is.” Commissioners also agreed that board members should have no affiliations. If a property owner and one of his or her tenants were on the board together, the property owner might, with threats of increased rent or eviction, try and pressure his or her tenant to vote a certain way. The BID will also have a 10-year term. If the BID lasts that long, it’s estimated about $1 million could be raised. Resnick suggested capping the amount at $100,000 a year but Green and Commissioner Justin Flippen questioned why the city would want to limit what the business and property owners are willing to asses themselves. “I just don’t want to get into micromanagement,” Green said. Vice Mayor Scott Newton responded that some business and property owners might not be able to afford a larger assessment and a cap would keep the cost low for everyone. WMG

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Calendar of Events Compiled from the Wilton Manors website 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.

Dog Obedience Class Dec. 4, 11, & 18 from 6:30 p.m. at Hagen Park (Basketball Court)

Brains and Balance Past 60 Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 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.

Family Storytime Dec. 3, 10 & 17 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library

Zumba Fitness Dec. 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, & 17 from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout, just lose yourself in the music and find yourself in shape at the original dance-fitness party. Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to highenergy Latin and international beats. Before you know it, you’ll be getting fit and your energy levels will be soaring! It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating. Join the Party!

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Preschool Storytime Dec. 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library

All Breeds Welcome Beginners Obedience Class. Registration at 6:30 p.m., class begins at 7:30 p.m. Rally Obedience Class Skill Building, Drill Class - Class starts at 8 p.m. $5 per class

For ages 2 - 5. Caregivers must remain with their children.

Square Dancing

Chair Yoga

Dec. 4, 11, & 18 from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve

Dec. 8, 15, & 29, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Hagen Park

Dec. 13, 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.

Island City Book Club

The South Florida Mustangs is the first GLBT International Square Dance Club organized in 1980. Positively no previous experience required. We’ll teach you the ropes beginning with an allemande left and a do-si-do. All you need is a desire to have fun. Questions? Feel free to call Ken 305-343-1710; Randy 305-458-1649; Tom or Chris 954-525-8365. Dance fee only $5. Visit Caller4u.com.

Come enjoy the benefits of Chair Yoga. Experience relaxation, improve your flexibility, reduce or even eliminate insomnia, arthritis and constipation.

NatureScape Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library

Wilton Manors Green Market

Come and hear about coral reef preservation efforts in south Florida from a certified Florida master naturalist. R. David Walker works with the U.S. Geological Survey and assists the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in wildlife management areas and the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection’s Southeast Florida Coral Reef Conservation Program.

Dec. 6, 7 & 13, 14 & 20, 27 & 28 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / 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, soflagaynews //

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Community Yard Sale Dec. 13, All Day at Hagen Park

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Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library

The Island City Book Club gathers at the library on the third Wednesday of each month. Reading selections include current and classic novels as well as popular nonfiction. All are welcome to join and help select our next book!

Historical Society Meeting Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers

City Commission Meeting Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at City Hall Chambers (Dec. 23 meeting cancelled) 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305