The breakfast buffet at the Three Mayors Breakfast was delicious, but some attendees may have lost their appetites. The annual event, organized by Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA) and presented by Grieco Ford, brought business owners to Pub On the Drive.
The mayors of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors discussed plans for the next five years and challenges that could get in the way. But the biggest news was about a project no one in Wilton saw coming.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said Covenant House will move to Wilton Manors.
Covenant House helps young people with crisis housing (about 70 beds), GED help, mental health counseling and more. Currently located by Fort Lauderdale Beach. Critics say it's a magnet for crime.
The organization tried to move under the radar and set up in Oakland Park, but was turned back by residents.
A person following the potential move says it wants to move into the Handy building at 2101 N. Andrews Ave., and another source says the senior city staff at the breakfast were caught off guard.
Trantalis also made a bold prediction about the future of the Galleria Mall.
“I guarantee you nothing is going to happen there for at least a decade.”
Neighbors are livid about plans to put nine, 30-story towers on the site including a hotel, retail, and more than 3,000 housing units. Trantalis says they can relax.
He said profit margins make it unfeasible, citing the cost of building materials and interest rates.
Also, developers are using Florida’s Live Local Act, which allows them to ignore many local zoning measures. But it also mandates that 40% of new units must be affordable housing, meaning those units can’t bring top dollar.
Frustration over Live Local and other dictates from lawmakers in Tallahassee united all three mayors.
They also cite the new anti-DEI law which prohibits local governments from spending money on any projects perceived to promote diversity, equity, or inclusion.
Trantalis says this could be the last year for Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride and Fort Lauderdale’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
“How someone can take just one part of my community and say we don’t want you or we don’t want anything to do with you, is a disgrace to Florida,” Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton said.
Oakland Park Mayor Steve Arnst pledged to continue his city’s Pride.
“I don’t care what they say, we're still gonna have it.”
They also warned about the impending property tax issue going to voters in November. While it would eliminate property taxes for many homesteaded lots, it would gut city budgets and increase rents which are already sky high.
Any proposal would need 60% of voters to approve.
