Don D’Arminio is seen everywhere. Ribbon cuttings, neighborhood socials, out with friends, and, of course, sitting on the dais in the Wilton Manors city commission chamber. Much of his work there is unseen, but is felt throughout the city. Now he is running for a second term.
Commissioner D’Arminio sat down with The Gazette and reviewed his first term and laid out his goals for a second.
Much continues to be made of the lack of significant development in the city, but D’Arminio says he has helped set the table. During his first term and his time on Planning and Zoning, he takes credit for leading the charge to revamp city codes on myriad topics including building heights, density, parking requirements and more.
It may sound dull and tedious, but it is important.
“I’m incredibly happy with the progress the city has made over the past four years. We didn’t have any site plans, now we have several of them.”
The old church lot at 15th/16th Ave. and 26th St. is under construction and will have 50 townhomes that will start at just under $1 million each and townhomes on 9th Ave. are also underway.
Plans for a multi-building project at Alibi Plaza are in the works.
A hotel on Dixie and Five Points has been approved for years but no work has begun. D’Arminio says owners believe it’s still on track and points to tariffs driving the price of construction materials sky high as a major hurdle to any construction.
Another spot in desperate need of development is Andrews Avenue, or The Ave.
The stretch through the city is getting a refresh with wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and crossings, paid for by a county surtax and not from city funds. A mixed use project of 55 apartments is coming.
“I think we have some good things happening for Andrews.”
He also is open to allowing smaller units. Right now 600 sq ft is the minimum for new apartments/condos. Developers are pushing for a lower minimum and D’Arminio thinks that would be a win-win; allowing builders to get more inventory and giving young people and seniors options.
“I think it would be beneficial to residents.”
