Margate Commission Votes Against Placing Development Plan on Ballot

by David Volz April 16, 2026

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Margate Begins Planning Process for City Place Development

One of the proposed renderings of City Place by Brookfield Properties. {City of Margate}

Following a lengthy discussion, the commission voted against a resolution to place a question on the ballot regarding how the city center should be developed.

During the April 15 meeting, Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano stated that the city’s residents should have the opportunity to vote on terminating the Margate CRA’s relationship with Brookfield, as the developer seeks to build up to 600 housing units. He said at least 1,000 residents have told him they are against the contract.

In March, a development agreement was signed between the CRA and Brookfield for the city center. Mayor Antonio Arserio said residents should be allowed to vote on what they want to see at the city center.

A group of residents opposed the planned development because it would include a significant number of housing units. They told the commission they do not want large development in their city. Some requested additional workshops to discuss the project, and one attendee suggested investigating the commissioners who supported it.

Commissioner Arlene Schwartz emphasized the importance of Brookfield’s development of the city center. She noted during the meeting that Margate is seen as a pass-through city and believes Brookfield’s proposed mixed-use project will revitalize the area.

Vice Mayor Anthony Caggiano said he believes in mixed-use projects, adding that they will bring good restaurants and other businesses to the city. Commissioner Joanne Simone also supported the developer.

The next item, discussed at length, led the commission to approve a resolution formally objecting to the Broward County School Board’s decision not to renew school resource officer (SRO) services for the city’s schools.

Schwartz said she was dissatisfied with Broward schools’ leadership decision to remove city officers from the schools and believed Margate was not being treated fairly.

Arserio said the SROs provide important mentoring and build positive relationships with students. Ruzzano said elementary school students appreciate their SROs. Residents spoke in support of Anthony Careccia, a longtime SRO at Margate Elementary School.

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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.