Unanimous. That was the vote by Wilton Manors’ Planning and Zoning (P&Z) board when considering requests for redevelopment at Shoppes of Wilton Manors, aka Alibi Plaza. During a special meeting on Aug. 16, the board took eight votes on proposed redevelopment of the site and each time voted ‘yes’ to move forward.

The project, called Wilma, will replace the back building, where Pride Factory currently resides, with a parking lot. The lot in front of the building will be turned into a mixed-use facility with shopping on the ground level and apartments above.

Tension around the proposal has been high. Supporters say the city needs to grow to increase tax revenue and update the look of a street lined with buildings that are increasingly dated. Opponents worry adding a midrise building that will dwarf the neighborhood will be the beginning of a ‘canyon’ that will block the area’s natural beauty.

During the meeting, opponents also spoke out about the increased population density and traffic in the adjoining neighborhood. People also spoke about the disruption to life on Wilton Drive during construction.