The kick-off meeting for the Margate Homeowners Association. (MHA).
Standing room only. 250+ gathered on Saturday morning June 30, inside the hot-n-steamy, Ross School auditorium in Margate.
Packed house with both full and part-time residents. Meeting was open to the general public. The MHA paid $175 to rent the room. Air-conditioning was not included in that price. Irony: Margate taxpayers paid $175 to use a room, that’s technically already owned by the Margate taxpayers.
Opening remarks from MHA President, Jay Weintraub and other members of the MHA board: Marc Alch, Linda Novelli, Gina Battaglini and David Grossman.
- Meetings. Maybe late spring and then again, later in the summer.
- Annual dues per household: $25 per year.
- Non-political. But may support homeowner friendly, local politicians.
- Have our voices heard.
- Not happy about the beach. Maybe a new Boardwalk can help.
- Are Legal Notices being noticed? ex: Golf Course
- United front. Come together as a group
Novelli: Mayberry with Money. Protect our Real Estate investment.
They don’t pay attention to us, because we can’t vote in Margate.
- Lack of bike parking. Margate is not bike friendly. A grant was ok’d for bike stuff…but not yet implemented by Margate. Why?
- Taxation but no representation. We need a collective voice. As an individual… I’m not heard.
- Only 1 beach shuttle, to cover all 40 Margate beach entrances
- Why didn’t city consider buying the Johnny’s Cafe parking lot when it went up for sheriff sale? Only $575,000. Now on the market for $950k+. Could have been much-needed, municipal parking lot. Margate should learn about parking lot management from Ocean City.
- Margate engaged in hyper-development, substantial changing of zoning rules, creative interpretations of city code….with little consideration for parking and financial ramifications to community. Waiving of most parking requirements. Ex: Margate miniature golf attraction.
- Feeling mistreated. Little respect for citizens. When important votes will take place….there doesn’t seem to be high, community awareness. Lacking transparency. Making all neighbors aware.
- Why are some beaches better for walking… and wheel chairs. City can’t afford mobi-mats? City not adequately providing proper beach access.
- Adams Ave most dangerous. Trucks. Traffic.
- Residents feel disconnected. How can we mean anything… if we can’t vote?
- How are those new ‘ratables’ spent?
Joan Dovberg Dossick via social media said: Thank you for all who share their ideas. It was very productive and I really believe it’s this group will give all of us a voice. Whether your issue is about the beach conditions and access for any with physical issues or bring carts or strollers, boardwalk, parking around the stores, big trucks that take over your street, being overrun by rabbits eating up your landscaping, needing bike racks, not being heard by commissioners and powers that be, this is great forum For working together and finding a united front. There were at least 250 here today. The room was filled. I’m feeling very positive about this group and for those who are generous enough to be the group leaders.
Ventnor residents were in attendance. Likely taking notes for their Ventnor Homeowners Association.
- Taking on More Debt
- Raising Taxes in Ventnor
- Ventnor Public Union Boat Checks
- Controversial Ventnor Spot-Zoning
- Dune and beach issues
Creation of Ventnor City Hall appointed citizens advisory committee. Ventnor 2nd homeowners calling ‘BS’ on that move.
Robert Garber says:
The project is horrible. Very difficult navigating the hills to traverse the dunes. Soft loamy sand is an accident waiting to happen for elderly. People with handicaps can forget going to the beach. They cannot avail themselves of one of the most important reasons to have a home here. Of course, they can stay home and write checks for their property taxes. Why couldn’t the genius engineers make a firm walkway with the plastic matting so the beach is accessible.
I’d love to join this association. We have a summer place at the Island House