One of the proposed renderings by Brookfield Properties. {City of Margate}
Margate is taking the first steps toward developing City Place, a 50-acre property located at the intersection of Margate Boulevard and State Road 7.
In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board agreed to begin negotiations with Brookfield Properties to develop the site.
To inform the public and encourage community input, CRA Vice Chair Tommy Ruzzano hosted a workshop on March 31. About 70 residents attended the event, where Ruzzano emphasized that the land is owned by the city—and therefore, the community should have a say in what is ultimately built.
“Margate owns the land and should be able to control what is built there,” Ruzzano said, encouraging attendees to ask questions and share their thoughts.
City commissioners and local leaders have consistently stated their vision for the site: a vibrant destination that attracts visitors across South Florida. Ideas for the project include restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and residential units designed to create a live-work-play environment.
However, Ruzzano expressed strong opposition to the inclusion of apartments on the property.
“I have heard a proposal for 2,400 apartments, and we don’t need that here,” he said, adding that developers are often drawn to residential projects because they are less financially risky than retail or restaurant ventures. “There is more risk with restaurants and stores.”
Throughout the meeting, Ruzzano reiterated that decisions about the site’s future should be driven by the city’s leadership and its residents—not by developers.
Some community members suggested the new development should resemble The Walk in Coral Springs or the Promenade in Coconut Creek—popular destinations known for their trendy restaurants and businesses. Others voiced interest in seeing upscale steakhouses brought to the area.
Business owners at Ace Plaza, located just across from City Hall, also attended the workshop and shared concerns about how the redevelopment could impact their operations. Ruzzano assured them he would advocate to preserve their businesses.
The CRA plans to host additional workshops to continue gathering community input as the plans for the City Place site progress.
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