News Politics

Margate Ace Hardware Owner Seeks Relocation as Commissioners Clash Over City Center Development Plans

by David Volz April 10, 2026

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Ace Hardware in Margate {Google Maps}

Noor Vallyani, the longtime owner of Ace Hardware at 5843 Margate Boulevard, wants to move his operation.

During the April 8 meeting, he spoke to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) about purchasing land it owns at 1491 North State Road 7 and 5750 NW 15th Street for $475,000.

Vallyani knows that Brookfield, the developer of City Center, will want to build on the site where his current store, Ace Plaza, is located. Because of this, he told the CRA board that he wants to expand his store and is looking forward to relocating his business there.

The board members agreed with his goal and said they would consider granting final approval at a future meeting.

Commissioners Tommy Ruzzano and Arlene Schwartz got into a heated discussion on the best way to develop City Center.

Ruzzano said he believes the city should develop the property independently, using a design-and-build approach. He opposes the large number of housing units proposed by Brookfield representatives, who argue they are necessary for the project’s profitability.

Schwartz responded that a major project is critical to Margate’s future. She said that without development, including housing units, few people will want to live or visit stores and restaurants in the city.

Vice Mayor Anthony Caggiano said Margate needs Brookfield primarily because it is a large developer capable of creating a project that will attract people to the city by featuring attractive housing units, upscale restaurants, and stores.

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David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.