Margate Bayfront Zoning Rules Worry Amherst Ave Residents

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Changes of Margate’s zoning rules and potential redevelopment for Amherst Ave have raised a few eyebrows. Actually, a lot of eyebrows.

Interesting changes along Amherst Ave, but at what cost? Current rules prohibit restaurants, apartments, stores. Some existing uses are currently non-compliant.

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Commissioner Maury Blumberg wanted to delay the vote for two weeks. Mayor Becker & Commissioner Amodeo disagreed. The vote was taken and the ordinance passed. Margate leadership voted YES for the zoning changes. This permits business, restaurants and residences in the WSD (waterfront special district) zone without the need for a use variance.

Angry residents say the commissioners are rezoning Amherst Avenue to accommodate developers, allowing them to avoid obtaining a use variance. Some call that greasing the skids.

Developers would still need to obtain approvals from the Margate Planning Board, which will meet 6:30, Feb. 15 at Historic City Hall on Washington Ave.

Developers want to take 2 decaying buildings, and replace them with larger, taller, more modern structures. This would make developers happy. Neighbors, not so much.

Residents fear their water views will be negatively affected, all due to higher elevations needed for new construction. Fear of property devaluation along waterfront.

Margate will re-zone to accommodate 2 developers? Rather than having developers apply for a substantial use-variance, Margate wants to simply rezone the entire length of Amherst Ave?

Blumberg: Blue Water Marina considered building restaurant (similar to Lamberti’s). Can they expand on existing footprint?

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Jim Leeds wants to redevelop the Integrity Marine site.

• Move structure 30 feet toward Longport
• Raise it 14 feet above grade level
• Build an office with two apartments

Sean Gormley of wants to rebuild Capt. Andy’s

• 2,600-square-foot addition
• Raise elevation to 16 feet
• Building a 150-seat restaurant & bar
• Bait shop on lower level
• 4,000-square-foot business office on second level
• Marina with approx 30 slips
• Fueling station

Zoned RIPARIAN & Waterfront Special District

• ORDINANCE #01- 2018 AMENDING CHAPTER 110 –CONSTRUCTION CODES, UNIFORM, SECTION 110-3, FEES, OF THE CITY OF MARGATE CITY, COUNTY OF ATLANTIC AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY
• ORDINANCE #02-2018 AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE LAND USE ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MARGATE CITY, CHAPTER 175, SECTION 29 C, ZONING MAP, SO AS TO EXTEND THE
  WATERFRONT SPECIAL DISTRICT (WSD)
• ORDINANCE #03-2018 AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE LAND USE ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MARGATE CITY, CHAPTER 175, SECTION 29 D, INTERPRETATION OF ZONE BOUNDARIES

Loss of views for some? New buildings could be MUCH higher. Still need CAFRA and DEP approval.