Wilton Manors’ city commission chamber was packed with people wanting to be heard on the most ambitious development for the city in more than ten years. The standing-room only crowd heard updates on the latest plan to redevelop The Shoppes of Wilton, aka Alibi Plaza.

People are concerned about increased neighborhood traffic, potential noise complaints, and privacy issues. Developers were also asking for exemptions to city code requirements, many of which involve the number and size of parking spots.

Residents behind the site, just off 7th St., are the most on edge. They want people to only turn left out of the lot, forcing them to Wilton Drive. They say that, even with the empty building currently on the site, a lot of traffic cuts through the neighborhood to get to Dixie Hwy.

A handful of residents are concerned about their privacy. Their lots abut the back of the Shoppes property. Once a five-story building goes up, they fear the condo dwellers will be able to see into the backyards. Developers say the layout and planned trees should block the views.

Another resident fears the new residents will complain about noise coming from nearby bars and nightclubs, forcing a culture change in the heart of the city’s arts and entertainment district. He wants better soundproofing materials used in the residential construction.

The board noted the concerns and passed the project on to the full city commission.

The proposal calls for six new buildings on the north side of the property. Two commercial structures will face Wilton Drive, while the other four will occupy the space where the empty building sits and be mixed-use.

The building with Alibi, Hunters, and others will remain essentially the same, but their façades will be updated to match the new construction.