(Photo: The proposed Wilton Drive at NE 21st Court. Photo courtesy of Wilton Manors Main Street)

by Bob Keceskemety

The proposal to improve traffic flow and provide more parking on Wilton Drive has taken a huge step forward with the support of the city commission and the commission’s approval to create a Wilton Drive Task Force. The Task Force members will soon be appointed to initiate the plan and help identify any and all sources of possible funding for the Wilton Drive improvements.

In April of this year, Wilton Manors Main Street (WMMS), an organization designated with coordinating resources to revitalize downtown Wilton Manors unveiled a 3-step proposal to modernize and beautify Wilton Drive. The plan would change the current parallel parking to angle-in parking, reducing Wilton Drive from four to two lanes and increase the size of the road’s median and increase landscapingon The Drive in the median. The first step the city would have to make is to take back control and maintenance of Wilton Drive from the Florida State Department of Transportation.

WMMS has since identified a possible $10-million federal grant which is provided by the Federal Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements that would positively affect a community, city, or municipality. The Grant must be guaranteed with a $2 million dollar match from the city. WMMS has also been presented a proposal by Gables Residential Developers who are presenting a concept plan for a new parking garage and residential/retail mixed use project to the city which would be located on the site of the old city hall. Gables has indicated an interest in working with the city on a public/private partnership to help assist with the matching funds.

The city commission has requested Wilton Manors Main Street assist in the grant-writing process by raising $50,000 from the private sector for the required economic impact studies, design, engineering and other information needed to complete the grant application.