Did developer Steve Baglivo disregard Margate Planning Board approvals regarding his Margate Gardens mixed-use complex?
We may find out Wed, May 21 at the Atlantic County Civil Courthouse in Atlantic City.
The Margate vs Baglivo trial date has been set.
Prior to trial date, Baglivo must allow Margate to inspect all Margate Gardens units.
The Baglivo property is located at the corner of Ventnor and Coolidge Ave.
Reports suggest property could be uninsured due to lack of valid CO; certificate of occupancy. Policy allegedly expired Nov. 22, 2024.
If no liability insurance: not good for residents, retail customers, Margate City and neighboring properties.
New Jersey law mandates business owners and multi-family property owners have liability insurance and to provide City Hall a certificate of insurance annually.
SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENT: While Baglivo likely pushed envelope too far, it was still Margate’s responsibility to better monitor the project and enforce zoning / construction law.
Margate Planning Board Members
Who appoints the Margate Planning Board? The current Mayor of Margate. Michael Collins.
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Richard Patterson | Board Member |
| Michael Richmond | Chairperson |
| Michael Collins | Mayor, Public Works |
| Tom Collins | Board Member |
| Margaret Guber-Nulty | Vice Chairperson |
| Craig Palmisano | Board Member |
| Stephen Jasiecki | Board Member |
| Drew Campbell | Board Member |
| Michael Ruffu | Board Member |
| John Pitts | Mayor’s Designee |
| Daniel Adams | Board Member, Fire Chief |
| Rich Tolson | Board Member |
| Patti Rosenberg | Board Member |
Baglivo may be a corrupt individual who pushes the envelope to the edge and possibly crosses over the legal line to take advantage of situations to personally enrich himself. But he is also a victim of Margate’s wink wink, rules for thee and not for me, system of doing business.
The Collin’s builder dominated planning board has for years granted many decisions leading to an abundance of variances from the hardware store counter. This over building by “friends” of the system and builder dominated decision making process has changed our residential community by the Sea.
Beautiful bay views have disappeared and it’s continuing. Parking is an issue during summer months especially by the bay and south side business district. And we all see “friends” getting favorable approvals or the look the other way on violations.
Was Baglivo just playing by the rules of the Amadeo-Collins-Horn builder system? Was building dept just following instructions of leadership?
Baglivo, Jimmy G, Abbott and Collins got caught because a small group of local citizens created a crack in Margate’s process by exposing what was going on at this project. And we all see how the lack of transparency has exposed the corruption around this situation. I don’t believe these look the other way methods are isolated to his project. At least that is alleged by Baglivo in his pleadings.
Let’s hope this court asks the right questions to provide us with real truth and justice. But without real change in transparency and leadership, this matter will just be another example of how Margate governs itself.
The “friends” keep the machine going.
This post makes some serious accusations, but I can’t decide if any of it’s true without more information.
Please provide examples of “friends” getting favorable approvals.
Why do you refer to it as a builder dominated Planning Board?
What did Jimmy G., Abbott and Collins get caught doing and by whom?
Who are the “friends” of the system?
What projects are you referring to that received an abundance of variances from the hardware store?
Why anonymous?
Chris, the actions and decisions of Margate commissioners and Planning Board are proof enough that certain individuals get preferential treatment that enriches many in Margate, including the property owners, lawyers, engineers, etc.
Look at Ventura’s Beach Bar. Venturas has operated this beach bar for five summers without a CAFRA permit.
Ventura’s has been fined many times by NJ DEP. Margate Commissioners continue to disregard the DEP actions.
The proof is in front of your eyes.
If they don’t have insurance, the city better shut the place down. An exercise studio, tight parking lot, and sidewalks in the winter time- a disaster waiting to happen & a danger to the public!
Every household will be charged $820+ for water and sewer as of 5/2025.
Is Baglivo being charged for 12 or 6 units for these services ?
Why has water and sewer risen from $580 to $820 per year?
The city said “because of sewer when we called the office and you can start sending money monthly “ what ?
Yes, infrastructure does cost. Take down a little house and replace with 5/6 bedroom house with multiple bathrooms, multiply that on a street.
Yes, you need more pipes – more people, to support more infrastructure. Hmm, why should Margate locals and summer residents pay for new homes super-sized which affect our infrastructure?
Why aren’t builders charged infrastructure costs (streets, roads, sewer) that are over run each day?
Look around – no business privilege tax either. We the locals are waking up and should have NOT voted the same slate into (friends and family that is) office.
It’s time we take back Margate, we’re making many wealthy w these elaborate homes , parking lots, the bay(that we don’t want ) the realtors , city officials (families of business and builders) are lovin it – at the cost of escalating costs to the locals. Notwithstanding the parking issues and inconsistent permits based on who u know.
No transformation plans, Ventnor Ave looks the same as 50 yrs ago – no leadership in Margate.
Is there a VALID CO, certificate of occupancy ?
Is there VALID insurance?
I bet Margate Mayor Mike Collins would love a friendly visit from local DOGE.
Margate Mayor is taking all taxpayers, especially non-voting taxpayers… for a ride.
CLUE: Mayor hates live ZOOM video of city meetings.
Love your comments John. Thank you. Does anyone know why a flat rate is used for water/sewage rather than usage?
Maybe this will demonstrate to the people who keep voting same ole same ole people how corrupt this town is .
Maybe next election a change will come.
Horn and Collins (Amodeo’s son in Law and Becker’s nephew)and Abbott have to go!!
They are killing this town!!
Same old same old with Margate. Disgraceful what goes on without any accountability.