As is so often the case with development in Wilton Manors, an ambitious developer is dealing with an apprehensive community. We’re watching this play out as everyone tries to have their say in the future of Shoppes of Wilton Manors/Alibi Plaza.
The city’s Development Review Committee (DRC) heard from the public and the developers at their Feb. 3 meeting. The plans call for demolition of the empty(ish) building and construction of several buildings to house businesses and condos.
The DRC is the first group to review the plans. Their job is to make sure the project meets the city’s code standards including parking, drainage, density, public safety and more. Members didn’t raise many questions, mainly because residents had already raised them.
The main concern is how much the residential development will encroach on neighbors. The issue is the setback, or how much space they have to put between the edge of the street and other homes.
As currently proposed, when accounting for balconies that will jut out from the building, the distance will be a mere five feet giving them a birdseye view of their neighbors.
After the meeting, Commissioner Chris Caputo said, “I have zero willingness to give on the setback requirement that we have as a city and so that’s a non-starter. I’ve made that known to [property owner] Stiles. That being said, they know I’m eager to collaborate with them on a development project that fits within the community and raises the bar for residential living.”
Other concerns are drainage and sewage and egress from the property. People already cut through the neighborhood when leaving the area and residents are asking for a left turn only sign and a barrier to discourage cutting into the neighborhood.
Stiles will take the comments and address them at a future DRC meeting. If and when the DRC signs off it will go through the city’s Planning & Zoning board and then commissioners will need to sign off.
All that will likely take the rest of the year. In the meantime, Stiles is renting out the building on short term, sometimes month-to-month leases.
