This year will bring a couple of firsts for Wicked Manors. One, they will be using metal detectors at entrances and two, they are getting help from the city.
The venerable Halloween street party on Wilton Drive will get a sponsorship from the city totaling about $50,000. The Pride Center sponsors the event, and CEO Robert Boo says this is a tough year financially.
“This year especially is extremely difficult. We do not have all of the previous presenting sponsors that we had in the past,” Boo said during his presentation, noting that this is the first time the event has asked the city for this level of support.
He argued, and commissioners agreed, that “This is an event that really helps promote the city. It helps drive business to all of the businesses in Wilton Manors. They don’t come here because it’s a Pride Center event. They come because it’s Wilton Manors.”
Security costs are up about $40,000, primarily due to the need for metal detectors.
The only real objection was the timing. The city’s budget, which starts Oct. 1, is almost set and this is an unexpected ask. But Commissioner Don D’Arminio said there really isn’t a choice.
“We cannot risk our city over 37k. Protecting residents and visitors must be our first priority.”
The money will come from the city’s already bloated Unassigned Balance Fund ($40,000) and from parking revenue the day of the event ($10,000).
Metal detectors are credited with saving the day during Stonewall Pride in June, when an armed man allegedly ran past security. He was eventually subdued and arrested.
Library Boost
Commissioners extended their largess to the city’s embattled library. Since they’re tapping into the Unassigned Balance Fund for Wicked Manors, they felt they should restore some library funding.
They agreed to give $20,000 for new books. The city is exploring a way to have the independent branch merge with the Broward County library system. A feasibility report is expected in October.
Both the Wicked Manors and library funding will come back for formal votes, but both are expected to pass.
In other library news, two new members were appointed to the Library Advisory Board. Anne Bellissimo and James Bennett will serve full terms.
Excitement Is Building
Shovels are finally going into the ground for new development projects. The city will issue building permits to Lennar Homes for the land at 15th Ave. and 26th St. (aka the old church property). This is noteworthy since the permits aren’t usually granted until after the plat is recorded with the county.
This is the second move to expedite the process. The development will be 50 3-4 bedroom townhomes.
Another long-stalled development is also moving along. D’Arminio posted on social media about 2700 NE 9th Ave., Wilton Yards. He says developers has “broken ground” on the project for 18 luxury townhomes.
