Letters to the Editor: Margate Residents Demand Transparency on Golf Course Rezoning Plans

Dear Mayor and Commissioners:

As concerned Margate residents, we are requesting that you go on record with your position regarding the proposed rezoning of the golf course property in the middle of our community of primarily single-family homes.

We do not want hundreds of apartments – especially a 5-6 story apartment building near the clubhouse site that is currently boarded up, and the city should be ashamed that they are not making the owners keep the property up!

We have been told by several commissioners that they “cannot comment because of Florida’s Sunshine Law.” Respectfully, this is not accurate. Florida’s Sunshine Law (Fla. Stat. § 286.011) prohibits private deliberation among commissioners, not public statements or individual positions.

We, your constituents, deserve to know where each of you stands on a project that will permanently alter the character and quality of life in our neighborhoods. Silence is not leadership.

I was at the planning meeting where the lawyer was asking for rezoning and did not want to submit any type of plan just wants a blanket rezoning done – once that is done they will turn the golf course into a sea of apartment buildings so they can recoup the $20 million they are paying plus make a profit.

The green space was promised as part of the comprehensive plan in building the neighborhood – Carolina Club!

Some commissioners ran on the platform, Keep Margate Green! – We expect you to keep your promises.

13^th Floor – left because they were given a long list of things that needed to be done – we do not see this developer getting the same list?

What will happen when they dig up the course? What chemicals will be released into the air? 

Where will the water go if they cover up lakes and canals? Will we be in a flood zone and new expenses for current residents?

Are they going to pay for improvements to the surrounding roads?

Are they going to pay for community improvements? Roads? Schools? Fire and Police?

What will happen to all the wildlife on the course? Will our homes be invaded with rats, mice, racoons, possums and bugs?

We ask each of you to publicly state your stance on the proposed rezoning. You can do so in writing, at public meetings, or through the media. This is an opportunity to demonstrate transparency and accountability to the people you were elected to represent.

Thank you for your prompt response. We will share your replies with the wider community.

If any of you wish to call me you can reach out.

Sincerely

Allen Kopelman – Margate FL

From Commissioner Antonio V. Arserio:

I will not violate Florida law. Boca Raton just lost a major lawsuit from a developer because a few Commissioners gave their stance before the hearing. I will not put our city in a litigious situation.