WMG Volume 4 • Issue 11 June 21, 2017
Wilton Manors Gazette
Community
A Wilton Manors Hotel Has Broad Support By Michael d’Oliveira More information is needed, but the Grape, said a hotel should have been built business owners, residents, and tourists years ago and that it would be an asset for interviewed about the hotel that might the community, as long as it’s not “a huge be built at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors monstrosity.” He added that he thinks a said they are generally supportive of the lot of groups, especially LGBT ones, would choose Wilton Manors as the place to hold project. In a previous interview, the developer, their conventions. “That’s a great thing. It’s Coconut Grove-based Grass River Property, a total boon to tourists who want to spend said plans right now are to build a hotel time in Wilton Manors.” Ed Lugo, owner of Ed Lugo with 120 to 125 rooms. Resort, said he’s confident The hope is to start the hotel wouldn’t hurt his construction in 2018. The business. “It’s going to attract city manager’s office is also a different kind of person [who generally supportive of the wants to stay in my kind of project because getting a lodging and not a traditional hotel built is one of the hotel]. They want something city’s economic goals. special.” But Lugo, who “We would love to build opened his doors 10 years ago, a hotel. We’re considering doesn’t think developers will a lot of different things,” ever build one at the Shoppes said George Spillis of of Wilton Manors because Grass River Property. “My there isn’t enough demand. partners and I desperately “There are six of us [small want to build a hotel on the - George Spillis resorts and bed and breakfasts property.” Grass River Properties in Wilton Manors] and we’re Many business owners not 100 percent occupied. On on Wilton Drive support weekends, yes, there’s enough demand. the project. “It’s just going to bring everyone more But not during the weekdays. I wish it business. As long as it’s not too high, how could be Key West or Miami, but it’s not.” Nick Berry, co-owner of Rumors Bar can it be bad?” said Anthony Dumas, owner of To The Moon. “Nothing works & Grill and Courtyard Café, said that the back there. Something needs to be there,” hotel would create more visitors who he said, referring to the empty shops on the would spend their money here in the back half of the property. “It’s just going to daytime. Encouraging daytime shopping on Wilton Drive is something the city has bring in more tourists.” Tim Slivinski, co-owner of Naked been trying to do for years. “We absolutely
“We would love to build a hotel. We’re considering a lot of different things.”
need it. They’re going to be spending their money here.” Jennifer Santos, who lives in Brazil and has attended multiple Stonewall festivals, including the one held Saturday, said she would most likely stay in the hotel if it was built. “I love Wilton Manors. I come for the gay community.” At a recent commission meeting, resident Ruthanne Stadnik said the city needs to diversify its lodging accommodations. “We really need some lodging places other than vacation rentals.” “As long as the hotel is up against the
Drive and no taller than the Gables I am okay with it. But if they plan to put up a tall building right up against the houses [behind the Shoppes of Wilton Manors] I am sure they will get quite a fight from neighbors,” said Kevin Knorr, who lives near the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. In a previous interview, Paul Rolli, president of the Central Area Neighborhood Association, who lives directly behind the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, said the support or opposition by nearby residents would depend on the plans when and if they are presented. WMG
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Opinion
WMG Wilton Manors Pride
June 21, 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 11
By Sal Torre Photo by J.R. Davis.
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 Associate Editor • Jillian Melero JillianMelero@gmail.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Designer • Charles Pratt 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
As I sit down to write my article on the eve of our city’s Stonewall Pride Festival, we here in Wilton Manors have plenty to be proud of. This past week has reinforced my pride in our city, our community, and within myself. Each year’s Pride festivities cause many of us to pause from our daily routine and commitments to view our existence as part of a larger community. It’s more than just a time to head down to The Drive and take part in the parade and celebrations. It’s a time to acknowledge our role in the greater scheme of our existence. We come together, not to just celebrate Gay Pride, but to celebrate our role in moving toward a greater acceptance by our neighbors, our fellow countrymen, and our global community. Celebrating diversity and working toward a more compassionate and accepting world is something we should have immense pride in our work here in Wilton Manors. Attending the Mayor’s and City Commissioner’s Stonewall Gala this past Thursday was a great opportunity to witness how our Island City contributes to the wonderfulness of Broward County. County Commissioners Chip LaMarca and Tim Ryan were in attendance, along with elected officials from various cities such as Commissioner Trantalis of Fort Lauderdale and Tim Lonegan of Oakland Park, judicial representatives, along with various non-profit organizations all coming together to celebrate the kick-off event for the Stonewall Festival. Many volunteers on our city boards and committees also took part in the festivities that evening, representing a strong commitment by our residents that celebrating and remembering the birth of the LGBT movement is something that benefits all of us here in our great city of Wilton Manors. Many will question why we hold this great event in June rather than a more weather-friendly time, like February or March. The time of year is important because on a hot summer night in New York City, a group of drag queens, along with young gays and lesbians decided to fight against all the oppression, all the
injustice, all the bullshit that life had deposited on their doorsteps and say “Enough is enough!” One must remember that back in 1969, homosexuality was illegal in every state except Illinois. Gay bars were frequently raided by local police and harassment was the norm faced by many. Mocking headlines of New York Daily News read, “Homo Nest Raided, Queen Bees are Stinging Mad.” We have come a long way since 1969 and have much to be thankful for. As we commemorate the birth of the Gay Pride Movement so many years later, we should be able to endure the heat, the downpours, the inconvenience of June in South Florida and come together to celebrate all that is great within our community and the world around us, and commemorate what those brave, bitchy and overheated queens did for all of us 48 years ago. Speaking of bitchy queens, I just want to mention our Mayor and City Commissioners. Now now, they are not the bitchy queens I am looking to mention. I am referring to those in our community that constantly bitch and complain, who verbally attack those who serve, who find it easier to point fingers than to get involved and work together with our elected officials, our city government and neighborhood volunteer groups. We are blessed to have wonderful public servants from Mayor Resnick, to our Vice Mayor Justin Flippen right on through to Commissioners Tom Green, Scott Newton, and Julie Carson. We should never expect them to agree with us on every single issue, but realize that they give us their time, their professionalism, their willingness to listen, and their dedication to making our city the best it can be. Celebrating diversity, respecting other opinions and lifestyles, working together as a community is what makes Wilton Manors great. We must never forget the struggles that made this all possible, we must continue to celebrate and remind ourselves how special we are and we must look ahead fostering our own special Wilton Manors Pride! That Pride is why we can say, ‘Life is Just Better Here!’ WMG
One must remember that back in 1969, homosexuality was illegal in every state except Illinois.
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Gov. Scott Vetoes Wilton Manors Sidewalk Grant By Michael d’Oliveira “Unfortunately, the governor has Despite bipartisan support, a bill in the state legislature to allocate $600,000 for vetoed it. But we’re really proud of the sidewalk connectivity in Wilton Manors work we did,” said City Manager Leigh failed to make it past Governor Rick Scott’s Ann Henderson. In particular, Henderson credited Assistant City veto pen. Manager Pamela Landi, HB 3339 and its Senate who has a background in companion, SB 2500, were governmental relations, vetoed by Scott on June 2. with traveling to Democratic Rep. Bobby Tallahassee and helping to B. DuBose (94), who get the bill to advance as represents Wilton Manors, far as it did. sponsored the bill. Also “She did all the supporting the bill was legwork,” Henderson said. Republican Rep. George Henderson also credited Moraitis (93), whose the city’s representatives. district includes a small - Gary Resnick Wilton Manors Mayor “We’re very fortunate to portion of Wilton Manors have close relationships near Federal Highway. In with local legislators.” the House, the vote was 98 The city has had a lobbyist in the past yays, 14 nays, and 8 absent. In the Senate, but not currently. Asked if this might it was 34 yays, 2 nays, and 3 absent. “This kind of legislation is unheard change that, Henderson replied that the of. Our folks did a great job,” said Mayor city might go back to having one but she Gary Resnick about the bill at a recent doesn’t see how it could have swayed the governor on this issue. “It doesn’t mean in commission meeting.
Business the future we won’t have one,” she said. If the city does get state money for sidewalks in the future, or allocates its own funding, commissioners have said on multiple occasions that it will be left up to the residents in each neighborhood to decide if they want sidewalks or not. “We’re going to need to discuss that. Some don’t want them,” Commissioner Tom Green said. Some residents, such as former mayor and
state representative Tracy Stafford, who uses a wheelchair, have asked commissioners to increase sidewalk connectivity throughout the city. At a July 2016 commission meeting where residents gave input on how a Community Development Block Grant should be spent, Stafford urged commissioners to do as much as they could to ensure people in wheelchairs can easily navigate sidewalks and crosswalks. WMG
“This kind of legislation is unheard of. Our folks did a great job.”
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City
Photo by Carina Mask.
Pelosi’s Visit Costs City $2,701 By Michael d’Oliveira The May 26 visit by Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi to the Pride Center in Wilton Manors cost the city $2,701, according to police. As part of her visit, Pelosi, who is also the House Minority Leader, promised that Democratic lawmakers would make the “Equality Act” a top priority if voters returned them to power in 2018. The act would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which includes protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Commander Gary Blocker said the money for additional security for Pelosi came out of the sworn/nonsworn salaries and sworn overtime accounts. Blocker said similar visits have been funded the same way. “The city assesses these special events on a case by case basis in order
to decide if it is appropriate to invoice the applicable organization or individual,” wrote Blocker in an email. “The Wilton Manors Police Department is committed to assessing the public safety needs of our community and implementing the appropriate level of security on a continuous basis and as special circumstances arise.” WMG
• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • Celebrating our 7th Year on Wilton Drive!
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Community
News
Check out what’s happening
Around Town
City to Pave Lot Near Bona Pizza By Michael d’Oliveira
By Michael d’Oliveira
City wins budget preparation award The Wilton Manors Finance Department has received the national Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Fiscal Year 2016-2017. This is the third year that the city has received the award. WMG
Revival Pool Party Poverello will host its Revival Pool Party fundraiser on Saturday, July 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at 2554 NE 9 Ave., Wilton Manors. The fundraiser will be hosted by drag queen Kitty Meow with music by David Knapp. An open bar will be available and food will be served. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. Call 954-5613663 for more information. WMG
Book Fair The Friends of the Wilton Manors Library will have its Book Fair on Saturday, July 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive. Books, videos, and audio materials are available in exchange for a small donation. Money raised by The Friends is used to fund programs and buy equipment for the city’s library. WMG
Gallery 21 art opening this Saturday Art Gallery 21’s newest exhibit will open on Saturday, June 24 at 7 p.m. It will feature the works of Darlene Fenster, Carol Finlayson, Barbara Pardon, Heidi Reiter, and Henry Rhommerdahl. The works will be on display from June 24 to July 15. Admission is free and the gallery is located in the Woman’s Club of Wilton Manors, 600 NE 21 Ct. Attendees can view the art on Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Volunteers are also needed. For more information, email artgallery21wcwm@ gmail.com or call 954-661-4740. WMG
Duetch’s staff at Wilton Manors City Hall The staff from U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch’s office will be available at Wilton Manors City Hall, 2020 Wilton Drive, on Wednesday, July 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Staff members will be available every first Wednesday of the month to answer questions and assist with matters related to the federal government. Duetch also has an office at Broward College, 111 East Las Olas Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale, by appointment only. Call 561-470-5440 for more information. WMG
There’s almost no parking near Bona will be $270,746. City officials said they Pizza. That’s why the new owners, Glen were able to reduce that paving cost Weinzimer and Mark Byrd, are glad the from $290,319. At the time the lot was city has provided the parking lot close to purchased, officials estimated it would their restaurant at Northeast 11 Avenue cost between $180,000 and $240,000 to pave it. Sun Up Enterprises was chosen as and Northeast 23 Drive. “There’s not a lot,” said Weinzimer, the lowest bidder and has been contracted who has so far unsuccessfully explored to do the work. The lot purchase has been criticized other solutions. One possibility is valet but Weinzimer said he’s been unable to by some residents as too expensive. find a spot for the valet to park the cars. Some residents also said that it would He has his eye on the eventual narrowing be a better use of money to build a single of Wilton Drive from four lanes to two. parking garage. This is the second parking He expects the on-street spaces in front lot the city has purchased and developed. of the restaurant will be eliminated when In April of 2014, the city opened its construction begins, making the new lot 42-space lot on Northeast 26 Street and even more important. “I think it will really Northeast 8 Terrace across the street from Kids In Distress. The cost of buying the help us.” land and paving that lot At their June 13 was $788,000. meeting, commissioners City officials It was a cost that some approved measures purchased the city officials have also related to two parking lots – the paving of a 23-space parking lot behind addressed. At the ribbon cutting for the Northeast city near Bona Pizza, and Bona Pizza in 26 Street and Northeast 8 the renewal of a revenueOctober of 2015 Terrace parking lot, Mayor sharing agreement with for $447,879 to Gary Resnick called the the owner of a 21-space lot at 2309 N. Dixie Hwy. help alleviate some money spent “inordinate” but necessary. It’s the latest effort by of the parking When the lot behind the city to provide more problems on the Bona Pizza is unusable parking for businesses. north end of because it’s under Recently, the city also construction, city officials started operating a free Wilton Drive. said motorists will be able shuttle service along Wilton Drive. If the service is utilized, to use the lot close to it on Dixie Highway. the city will keep operating it. The shuttle Although the lot on Dixie Highway has operates 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays to been used less than expected, city staff Sundays and has eight stops along Wilton recommended that commissioners renew an agreement with its owner. Per the Drive. City officials purchased the parking agreement, revenue from the lot is split lot behind Bona Pizza in October of 2015 50/50 between the owner and the city. for $447,879 to help alleviate some of The agreement doesn’t cost the city any the parking problems on the north end money and it will retain 100 percent of of Wilton Drive. The cost to pave the lot revenue that stems from citations. WMG
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