After their original plan was denied, developers of a former Chinese Restaurant had to threaten legal action against the Margate Planning Board. It worked.
See SAJ plans and legal docs below.
Re-development of 7800 Ventnor Ave., corner of Douglas and Ventnor Ave in Margate, can now proceed.
Margate Planning Board Meeting.
Listen to clips from AUG 31, 2023.
A third site plan was finally approved for SAJ Associates, LLC., and their mixed-use project.
Note
Attorney Chris Baylinson, who represented SAJ developers, said the Margate Planning Board denials were arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable. Baylinson also suggested the Planning Board may have played favorites with another developer who was granted approvals for eight commercial properties with parking requirements waived.
Three local Margate businesses pooled their money and hired an attorney to help squash the first two plans.
The initial denial of the “by right” site plan in March, which required no variances, led to the lawsuit.
In their first application, the developer had sought variances for exceeding the building height and parking requirements.
The Margate Planning Board features realtors, builders and others selected by Mayor Collins.
The Board kept rejecting the proposals, citing non-compliance with the city’s Central Business District regulations.
The latest plan will increase the size of commercial space and reduce number of bedrooms from four to three in each unit.
Only 4 for spaces for commercial? Where will people park?
We already have a problem…
Board member Richmond did voice his now apparent correct position at the May 25 meeting and voted to approve this project.
The problem is a conflict between the Master Plan and the “vision” of the Board. BTW, the same Board writes the Master Plan and then modifies it at their meetings which creates confusion.
A Board member stated at the May 25th meeting their approval of variances for certain projects was a mistake. Making mistakes is what has caused the lack of confidence in their decision making responsibilities.
We all appreciate their dedication to this important role. But Margate deserves better!
And parking and the safe movement of people needs to be addressed.
SURPRISE !
no wonder collins blocks live zoom video for planning board meetings.
Since Numerous variances have been granted, the Board is now ineffective against rejecting variances. A lawsuit might be pending and anything goes. The ruination of Margate City continúes.