Developers have proposed a new project. It’s in a prime location. It will bring new residents paying top tier property taxes.
If you feel like you’ve heard this story before, you have. But everyone is sure this time will be different.
At their May 27 meeting, city commissioners gave preliminary approval for a 50 townhome project between 26th St. and 24th St. with 15th Ave. on its west side. The official address is 1550 NE. 26th St. and is the site of the old church that burned down years ago.
They would be three and four bedroom homes with attached one and two car garages. Prices would likely start at $800,000 or higher.
Developers also seem willing to comply with “unwritten rules” that often accompany these projects. Vacation rentals or short-term tenants won’t be allowed. There will be a gated entrance exclusively for emergency vehicles.
But, development in Wilton Manors is often like the bible verse Job 38:11, “Thou may come this far, but no farther.” However, there are signs this time will actually be different.
First, neighbors and the neighborhood association have no major objections. Second, Lennar, the developer, isn’t asking for myriad exceptions to the city’s building code.
Third, and perhaps most important, is speed. Lennar is one of the biggest home developers in the country. While other projects have withered on the vine due to high interest rates and material costs, one person close to the project tells The Gazette that Lennar does these sorts of projects all the time. During the meeting, their representative said once they have county approval, which they hope to have by early autumn, they are ready to start construction.
Since there is no demolition involved (remains of the fire were cleared away years ago) they expect construction to take about a year, which would be the first quarter of 2027.
For comparison, the hotel planned for Dixie Hwy. by Five Points was approved last year and said it doesn’t plan to break ground until early 2026.
Fines on the property appear to be the only major obstacle remaining. Lennar won’t close on the property until all the approvals are given, and say the current owner is working with the city to resolve violations and fines. Their rep also, preemptively and reassuringly, said any issues like illegal trash dumps would be taken care of during the construction process.
The project will come up for a final vote, tentatively, at the June 10 meeting. The public will have a chance to comment then.
Have You Seen the Light?
New, more efficient lighting is coming to Hagen Park. Commissioners approved $90,000 for LED lighting materials for six tennis courts and one volleyball court. Installation will come from a separate bid.
The money, $120,000 in total, comes via this year's capital improvement budget and through a community development block grant. However, the final go ahead was on hold until more information on costs and savings came in. A review of documents seems to show that, while not an urgent need, waiting would cost significantly more in the long run.
