The City of Wilton Manors announced that plans are underway for the vacant trailer park site located on NE 24th Street.
Privately-funded, and not using any city funding, the new project will transform an unattractive property into a 7.16-acre development which will include studio, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom rental apartments, a community center with fitness room, pool, and an art park, according to a news statement.
“This vacant 7 plus acres has been an eyesore to the surrounding neighborhood, impacted property values, and had been an overall hindrance to neighborhood revitalization,” stated Mayor Gary Resnick. “This project not only represents $530,000 in impact fees to the city for public safety, parks and recreation, sewer system, and other services, but more importantly, will help transform the entire area between Dixie Highway and NE 15th Avenue and benefit the entire city.”
The trailer park was a chronic problem and accrued over $500,000 in code violations. Turning this property into a productive and attractive site is an important step toward attracting new residents and businesses, increasing the city’s tax base as well as improving surrounding neighborhoods.
In addition to the redevelopment, the property owner/developer, Ascend Wilton 24th Street LLC, has also committed to contributing towards traffic calming measures on NE 24 Street, and supporting the city’s tree planting program in the surrounding neighborhood.