Wilton Manors Gazette 12/6/2017 by The Gazette

WMG Volume 4 • Issue 22 December 6, 2017

Wilton Manors Gazette

Community

Swim School Denied Expansion by Planning and Zoning Aquachamps may leave city By Michael d’Oliveira Expansion plans by Aquachamps, a what kind of wall and landscaping is swim school on Northeast 26 Street, have needed. Ken Shalley, who said he lives directly been at least temporarily denied by the next door to Aquachamps, said at the city’s Planning and Zoning Board [P&Z]. At the Nov. 13 P&Z meeting, meeting that he thinks too much is being Aquachamps’ owners presented their made of the noise generated by the plans to redevelop an existing property children. He added that the real issue is adjacent to their existing location in order parking and traffic. But others who live near or next to to add more parking, an ADA accessible pool, and improve landscaping and walls to Aquachamps say the noise is a big problem. Maria Pazos is one of further decrease the noise them and said she is unable generated by the children to enjoy her backyard. who use the school. Pazos, who is also a realtor, According to a record of added that she was unable the meeting provided by to sell a neighbor’s home the city, members of the because of the school. public who support the In an interview with school say it provides a The Gazette, P&Z Member valuable service to children Constance Ruppender who learn to swim. Dan said she voted against Vawter, co-owner and head Aquachamps’ plan because coach of Aquachamps, said - Dan Vawter it was the “Wrong project. if the ADA pool is built co-owner of Wrong place.” She also then the school would be Aquachamps said the intended use of able to offer aqua therapy the ROS-C zoning district classes to senior citizens where Aquachamps is located is to and people with disabilities. Those who spoke against Aquachamps encourage quiet, office-based businesses say the school is a traffic hazard on to locate there. “They’re supposed to live Northeast 26 Street, parents park in their there,” she said. At the meeting, P&Z Chair Nick Berry driveways, and the children make too much noise. Vawter said everything possible has said he thought the new plan was an been done to reduce the noise, including improvement on the safety of the current hiring acoustical engineers to determine situation.

Coach Mary with the intermediate Mudskippers. Photo courtesy of Aquachamps, Facebook.

“We just have a bad taste with this whole process.”

In an interview with The Gazette, Vawter said he’s not happy about the current situation with the city and P&Z over this issue. He said the whole process has left him and his partners irritated. Asked if Aquachamps would appeal the P&Z’s decision, he said he doesn’t know yet. “We’d like to find a home that’s business friendly. We might move [to another city].

We just have a bad taste with this whole process. It was mismanaged from the beginning.” He added that Aquachamps is good for the city’s economy. “We bring thousands of families into Wilton Manors [who then shop at local business and eat at local restaurants] who normally wouldn’t have visited.” WMG

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Opinion

Annus Horribilis By Sal Torre

WMG December 6, 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 22 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 Copyeditor • Kerri Covington

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira

Correspondents John McDonald • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

As my household gets ready to celebrate my birthday, another year older, passing the mid fifty range and getting ever so close to sixty, I let my mind wander back over the past year. My thoughts keep going back to the opening words of a speech that Queen Elizabeth II gave in 1992, dubbed the “Annus Horribilis” speech. Replacing 1992 with 2017, I will take the liberty of plagiarizing Her Majesty’s words:

“2017 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an ‘Annus Horribilis.’ I suspect that I am not alone in thinking it so. Indeed, I suspect that there are very few people or institutions unaffected by these last months of worldwide turmoil and uncertainty.” Wow! Those words are a perfect fit for how I feel looking back over this past year. I’ve endured a full year of “The Donald” as President, endless sexual harassment scandals, continued attacks by Republican lawmakers on the Middle Class, tax breaks for the wealthy, my brother’s diagnosis of two separate cancers, stagnant wages for working members of my household, of Hurricane Irma damage that will not be fixed anytime soon, gun violence, the hardships that my dear friend Luis has had to endure in Puerto Rico, and then just last week, the extinguishing of a shining bright star close to home with the sad passing of Bishop S.F. MakalaniMaHee. This year has definitely been an Annus Horribilis. Sometimes we must be hit hard with a load of bullshit before we realize how lucky and blessed we really are. I am alive, healthy and surrounded by wonderful family and friends. I live in a wonderful place called Wilton Manors, a city that prides itself on tolerance and diversity. I wake up each morning, not as a refugee from the horrors

of war-torn Syria or the genocide of Rohingya’s in Myanmar, but surrounded by wonderful neighbors here on the Westside of Wilton Manors. I am working, have healthcare insurance, can pay my bills and have a roof over my head. Although the skies are darker than they have been for a long, long time, there are always rays of hope and happiness peeking through. As we struggle with all the uncertainty of the outside world, let us all do our part to keep our sanctuary, Wilton Manors, the safe, open-minded and welcoming place for us to enjoy and feel safe within. Talk with your neighbors, get to know your elected officials and city staff, lend a helping hand to those in need, and get out into your community. Beyond our borders, the world seems way out of whack, as though some kind of force field has altered reality. Fiscal Republicans are voting for a tax bill that will add a trillion dollars to the nation’s debt. The President tweets insults aimed at our closest allies. Media millionaires cannot keep their hands to themselves. Religious zealots attack those who are different. Heroin overdoses are a leading cause of death in America. Fighting over the right to healthcare. Science and proven fact are routinely cast aside and ridiculed as Fake News. Americans who worked with Russian agents to rig an election are not imprisoned for the high crime of treason. It all seems very strange and unreal, like being lost in a nightmare. Just as I am about to be pulled completely within the realm of this strange altered reality, I quickly start clicking my heels while repeating, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.” When I open my eyes, I’m thankfully back home here in wonderful Wilton Manors. So go ahead, put on those rose-tinted glasses, and begin to see things more optimistically. Add in some lightheartedness and a lot of laughter. Make it infectious and spread good cheer throughout the Holiday Season. Let’s make 2018 an Annus Mirabilis and, as always, continue to make life just better here. Good-bye, dear Bishop. Here’s to remembering your laughter, your smile, and your energy. Godspeed. WMG

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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A Good Investment? Returns Since 2011

Real Estate Geek

By James Oaksun I have written before that there are definitely times in the economic cycle when investing in real estate is one of the best things you can do with available capital. And, conversely, there are times when a more cautious and hesitant approach is most appropriate.  There are absolute psychic benefits to owning your own home. It’s one of the main reasons there are Realtors, after all. Among other reasons, we are here to help people’s dreams of home ownership come to reality. Of course there can be benefits other than the psychic. For many, the equity they have in their homes is their largest single asset. (Now, also for many, the negative equity they had in their homes after the bust was their largest burden. It can cut both ways.) One of the things I am able to do with my Real Estate Yearbook data is determine financial returns on single family homes owned in the 54 neighborhoods that I have analyzed throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Let’s consider it from the perspective of the investor. Across the 54 neighborhoods, since the end of 2011 the median increase in the value of a single family home has been 64 percent. That’s just over nine percent per year, every year, compounded. Of course there was a range of results. The worst performing neighborhood increased by just six percent in six years. On the other hand, the neighborhood

with the best return (the Northwood/Northboro historic district in West Palm Beach) went up by 389 percent – more than 31 percent per year! As many of you know, real estate can be purchased with borrowed money, often referred to as “leverage.” The use of leverage can amplify one’s investment returns (on the upside and the downside, it should be noted). Typically, a real estate investor makes a down payment in the area of 30 percent (which we will use for illustration). I assumed an investor bought the median home at year-end 2011 and sold on September 30 this year. At a 30 percent down payment, and after commissions but before taxes and expenses, the total return in that Northwood/ Northboro neighborhood was 1,222 percent (yes you read that right). The table shows the top three overall neighborhoods, and the top three in East Broward. The magnitude of these returns illustrates why investors – including Wall Street hedge funds – bought huge blocks

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of real estate here after the bust. (It also explains why some of your neighbors seem happy.) But, of course, past performance does not predict future results, far from it. Buyers, investors (and sellers) need to determine where we are in the current cycle, and make their financial plans accordingly. WMG James Oaksun, Florida’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

Business

City to Consider Land Use Change at Oakland/Andrews By Michael d’Oliveira In an effort to “spur development” and attract new businesses to the city, Wilton Manors officials plan to change the land-use of Oakland Park Boulevard and Andrews Avenue. The change, if approved by Broward County, will alter the land-use of both streets to Transit Oriented Corridor [TOC]. Officials held a workshop on Monday so the public could comment on the changes. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said the change would allow for additional density. That could lead to mixed-use projects and other types of new businesses. Henderson said the city doesn’t know yet what types of businesses it would like to see located there, but she said the hope is that it will be similar to the growth experienced by Dixie Highway and Northeast 26 Street, referring to The Metropolitan and Wilton Station projects. “We’ve had great success.” Both those streets were also re-designated

Photo: Google.

By Michael d’Oliveira as TOC, although Wilton Station predates the change. “But it’s along those lines,” she said. Attracting the “right” kind of businesses is a conversation commissioners have been having for a while. One of the more recent times was in 2015 when a pawn shop opened on Andrews Avenue near St. Clement Catholic Church. At the time, commissioners expressed disappointment that the shop had opened in an area where they wanted to see more high end businesses move to. Not long after that, the city passed an ordinance restricting where new pawn shops could open. Making Oakland Park Boulevard and Andrews Avenue TOC is the latest addition to that conversation. WMG

Community

Commission Extends Temporary Sign Ordinance By Michael d’Oliveira For the fifth time, commissioners extended an ordinance which allows business owners to put out a temporary feather flag or banner to advertise their business. The extension was approved at the Nov. 28 meeting. Originally created in 2012, the ordinance was passed to help business owners impacted negatively by the economy. Business owners along Wilton Drive, Dixie Highway, portions of Northeast 26 Street, portions of Northeast 6 Avenue, Oakland Park Blvd, Andrews Avenue, and portions of Powerline Road are eligible to put up flags or banners. According to city officials, 59 businesses are utilizing a temporary feather flag or banner; Oakland Park Boulevard has the most owners with signs – 19. The extension is valid until Dec. 31, 2018.

For Most Local Retailers, Christmas Sales Are Welcome But Not Needed

Photo credit: Brendon Lies.

For many local consignment shops and with her “Put a Bow on It” sales campaign retailers in and around Wilton Manors, the to promote herself online. It was something Christmas shopping season isn’t a make or she said gave her a big boost in sales. December and January are typically slow break time of year. Judge Noik, owner of The Joshua months for her type of businesses, but she Tree, said he’s always having sales on his said it doesn’t necessarily have to be. For Antonio Dumas, owner of To The bathroom vanities and mirrors, including during the holidays. “But it’s not really Moon, Christmas shopping never ends. “I something people really buy [this time of sell Christmas all year.” Along with a huge year]. People are spending money on gifts, amount of chocolate and candy of all kinds, Dumas has a big selection of gifts. not on bathroom vanities.” He gets his year-round sales from But some retailers offer plenty of items to tourists who buy Christmas gifts during the purchase as gifts. “Would you rather open up a tie from the summer, fall, and spring months and take them home. Christmas and mall or a cocktail shaker Valentine’s Day are his two and six martini classes biggest sales periods, but he from 1945?” asked Chynna said it’s nothing he depends Luschen, co-owner of It’s on to keep the doors open. a Mid Mod Mad World, a “It’s good, but I don’t need it consignment shop which to survive. It is what it is. But sells mid-20th century anything is better than zero.” furniture and other items. For the Pride Factory, Located among the Christmas sales are definitely wood panel sound systems, - Antonio Dumas better than zero. cabinets, coffee tables, Owner of To Store Manager Rocky and other furniture are The Moon Bowell said the retailer does table lighters, ash trays, well with Christmas sales glasses, barware, vinyl because “we’re so clothing records, phones, and other items. There’s also a pack of oversized driven” and because of its selection of nudie playing cards somewhere ready for jewelry, bags, and other accessories. And so far, he said this has been even better than purchase. It’s unusual stuff like that, said Luschen, usual. “The traffic has been really good. The that people want to buy as gifts. “It’s a no- parking lot has been full. Even the street brainer. You’ve just got to get them thinking. parking was full . . . and it doesn’t hurt that You’ve got to really cater to them . . . reinvent we’re right next to The Christmas Palace.” yourself.” Luschen said she did that last year WMG

“I sell Christmas all year.”

“We’ve passed this the last five years and I’ve supported it every time,” said Commissioner Tom Green. Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said after Wilton Drive is reduced to two lanes there won’t be a further need for the ordinance. WMG

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September December 6, 6, 2017 2017

Business

City Enacts Fee to Collect Delinquent Accounts More than $500,000 owed By Michael d’Oliveira In an effort to collect at least some of the over $500,000 in fines owed to the city, Wilton Manors commissioners approved an ordinance at their Nov. 28 meeting which will add a collection fee to delinquent accounts. The fee will be administered by a debt collection agency and will be used for utility accounts, parking fines, and library fines; $158,000 is owed to the utility fund, $307,000 is owed in parking fines, and $56,000 is owed in library fines. Finance Director Bob Mays said the collection fee is an effort to collect the backlog of old debt. “Some of it goes back to 2008 or before.” Mays said a collection fee would only be added to utility accounts 60 days or more past due, library fines that are at least 45 days past due, and parking tickets that are at least 120 days past due. But commissioners urged city staff not to be too aggressive with the collection of fines from residents. Mayor Gary Resnick said he doesn’t want

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to hear from residents that the collection fees negatively impacted their credit reports. “I’m just concerned about turning over too much to a collection agency,” Resnick said. Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said he wants to see a balance struck between what is owed to the city and making sure people aren’t negatively impacted. “It’s not our intention to be punitive,” said Mays. WMG

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Politics

Flippen to Run for Mayor of Wilton Manors By Michael d’Oliveira On Monday morning, Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Justin Flippen announced he’s running for mayor in 2018. Labeling himself as “The People’s Commissioner,” Flippen in a post on his website and social media stated he wants to now serve the city as “The People’s Mayor.” “With the experience, competence, skill set, and commitment required for the role of Mayor, I am running to build upon the good work we have achieved as well as to create a better city for all who call Wilton Manors home. ‘Life’s just better here’ in Wilton Manors, and it is clearly connected to leadership and vision for a better future, a better city,” he wrote. Flippen was elected to the commission in 2008 and resigned in 2010 in an unsuccessful attempt to run for Dist. 92 against then incumbent State Rep. Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed. In 2014, Flippen was elected to the commission again. His current term ends in 2018.

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Justin Flippen. Photo: Steven Shires.

His announcement to run for mayor comes a little less than a year before the Nov. 6 election and a year after current Mayor Gary Resnick, the city’s longestserving mayor, told The Gazette he would probably not run for re-election. “I don’t want to say it’s definite [that I won’t run] but I think 10 years as mayor is sufficient,” said Resnick in November of last year. “I love Wilton Manors, the community we have created together, and it’s never too early to think decisively about our city’s future,” stated Flippen. WMG

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