The Gazette 4/13/23 V10iss7

GAZETTE

VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 7 APRIL 13, 2023

WILTON MANORS

SHOPPES OF WILTON MANORS GETS MAKEOVER

By John Hayden

Redevelopment of The Shoppes of Wilton Manors, often referred to as Alibi Plaza, is imminent. After years of proposals that went nowhere, many residents have learned to just ignore talk of new buildings. But final approval of a massive and controversial construction project is upon us.

The Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to meet April 17 at 6 p.m. and is expected to consider granting variances to the developer, which would clear the way for construction on the site, pending final approval by the city commission.

THE PLAN

The current plan, as described by several sources to SFGN, calls for the back building of the property (the one with Pride Factory and the gym) to be demolished and replaced with a parking garage. The parking lot in front of that building will become home to mixed use housing; businesses on the ground floor andabout 250 residential units above.

The building with Hunters Nightclub and Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar, as well as the parking lot right in front of it, are safe for now. We’re told both anchor tenants have longterm leases and buying them out would be cost prohibitive for the developer.

In recent years, the city has updated its building code, allowing new development to be eight stories high, up from three.

THE PROBLEMS

Critics of the proposal say approval would degrade the skyline, disrupt nearby businesses, and lead to an identity crisis in the city.

Many say the height of the building will stick out like a sore thumb and start the creation of a “canyon effect” along Wilton Drive.

Construction, by most estimates, will take up to thirty months from demolition to grand opening. It’s obvious how existing businesses in the remaining building will be affected,

but others on The Drive could suffer as well. Construction could disrupt traffic and will exacerbate parking issues, deterring people from coming out. New parking spots in the city are supposed to be 9’x20’, which is a larger requirement than neighboring cities.

The developers are asking for spots in the proposed garage to only be 8.5’x18’. If a variance is granted, that would create over 500 spots, enough for new residents and businesses, as well as absorb the loss of the current parking lot.

Critics also worry about the city losing its

spirit. New construction means new residents. But there’s no promise of who will move in. Many say a heterocentric influx of people and businesses would hurt the LGBT community, which has made Wilton Manors the center of LGBT life in South Florida. The city is welcoming to all, but many want to create ways to preserve the heritage of Wilton Manors for the future.

Decisions made at the next Planning and Zoning Board meeting will answer a lot of questions about the future of the city.

The city is welcoming to all, but many want to create ways to preserve the heritage of Wilton Manors for the future.

Top: The Shoppes of Wilton Manor via Google Street view. Right: Image via stock art.

WILTON MANORS

MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN WILTON MANORS CRASH

By John McDonald

A motorcyclist died from injuries suffered in a crash on April 3 in Wilton Manors.

The victim’s name is being withheld under Marsy’s Law while investigators with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit examine factors of the crash. The incident occurred April 3 at 9:30 p.m. near the 200 block of Northeast 26th Street, in front of Wilton Manors Elementary School.

A preliminary investigation determined a vehicle traveling eastbound on NE 26th Street struck the motorcycle while it was attempting a left turn, northbound on NE Second Ave. The vehicle, a 2021 Kia Forte, was operated by a 53-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident.

Upon impact, the motorcycle driver was ejected. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue transported the victim to the Broward Medical Health Center where he was pronounced deceased at 9:57 p.m.

In a news release, detectives ruled out excessive speed or impairment as contributing factors to the crash.

WILTON MANORS

“My heart goes out to all of those involved in this tragic accident and their families,” said Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Mike Bracchi. “Our Island City continues to work with state and county agencies to improve our roadways and traffic calming measures. Since many of our city’s major roadways are owned by the state and county, I implore our state and county

officials to fund roadway improvements.”

Meanwhile, the City of Wilton Manors is hosting two public outreach meetings on its transportation master plan. The meetings are scheduled for April 13 at 1:30 p.m. and April 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Hagen Park Community Center. For more information, call (954) 390-2103.

WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSION APPROVES MASSIVE LIEN REDUCTIONS

By John Hayden

Every day, thousands of people pass by 2300 NE 6th Ave. And every day for years it’s been racking up fines. Over several years, the property fell into disrepair, had unpermitted renovations, and eventually accrued $372,100 in penalties.

At the city commission meeting on March 28, the owner, Roger Quisenberry, asked for fines to be reduced. A special magistrate had already reduced the amount by 50% to $187,652. Quisenberry, a resident of Palm Beach County, and his attorneys requested additional relief.

The property, which currently houses Club Xtra, several residences, and was briefly home to a beer garden, has been brought into compliance. Quisenberry says fines accrued due to legal fights with tenants which prevented him from making changes while the lawsuits were going on.

Commissioners were skeptical of some of the absentee landlord’s arguments but also had issues with the amount of the fines versus the severity of the violations, which included

lack of enclosure around the garbage and striping.

“The total of the sum of the fines is a ridiculous number. It’s ridiculous that an absentee owner would let it get to that number, so I have a tiny amount of understanding,” Commissioner Chirs Caputo said.

Commissioner Don D’Arminio pointed out that he, too, owns rental properties but checks on them daily. He said the property was neglected and sits in the heart of the entertainment district.

Eventually the commissioners lowered the fines to $105,801.

April 13, 2023 • Volume 10 • Issue 7

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher/Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

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