City Center rendering. {City of Margate}
The City Center will see a large housing development, but it will include fewer units.
The Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) passed a resolution approving a development agreement between the CRA and Brookfield DA Holdings for the City Center project during the March 11 meeting.
After a long and contentious meeting, the CRA board agreed to reduce the housing unit cap from 950 to 600.
Vice chair Tommy Ruzzano began the discussion by asking to dismiss the agreement. He argued passionately against it and said the developer should have come back with a better plan for the project. “Margate residents don’t want 950 apartments at the City Center, and I represent the residents of the city,” he said.
The board agreed to listen to Brookfield’s presentation and discussion. Board member Antonio Areserio said he understood the developer’s need to build housing units, but wanted that number reduced.
In addition to concerns about the number of units, all board members said they want to see high-quality stores and restaurants—a place where people will want to come and have fun. Board member Arlene Schwartz has expressed worries that Margate is merely a pass-through city for people heading to destinations like the Prominade in Coconut Creek.
Board chair Anthony Caggiano said that if the property was not developed, the city would decline, and few people would want to live there. Board member Joanne Simone said more young people prefer living in apartments near the services they need.
During public comments, residents expressed adamant opposition to housing units at City Center. In summary, there was unanimous opposition among speakers.
A representative from Brookfield said the developer would be open to negotiating fewer apartments, but they needed to build housing units to make the project financially viable.
Ruzzano suggested the city build the project without a developer. Further discussion will determine what will be built at City Center.
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