Margate commissioners heard from a handful of local business owners on June 21. They have growing concerns over patron parking.
Roz Tynan, owner of the popular Jamaican Me Crazy beach shop, says Margate’s parking problem is actually getting worse. It’s time for a plan.
Tynan: We have 10 weeks a year to make money. We watch people circle the block, looking for parking. We need a parking plan or numbers are gonna fall. Retail will get hurt. Properties values will drop. I came to resolve, not complain, says Tyman.
Roz would like to see the City of Margate buy the old Johnny’s Cafe lot on Ventnor Ave, right across from her store. Why not turn it into a much needed municipal parking lot? Maybe install meters? Two bucks for 30 minutes?
The public comment portion of the meeting featured suggestions on how to fix the parking problem: trolley, shuttles, Jitney, low speed vehicles (street-legal golf carts) valet parking, etc.
Congo Falls Mini-Golf course looks great. Unfortunately, there’s no parking for it. The Margate Planning Board waived most of the parking requirements. Golfers will take up most of the few parking spots used for shoppers…. patronizing Jamaican Me Crazy, Jolly Pets, Breakfast Club, Cameo, etc.
Will Marc Benevento, owner / developer of the soon-to-open attraction buy that 26 space lot? Hmmm…
Financially threatened. Frustrated. Marie Elena. 36 yrs in business. She feels the same way.
Tynan reached out to Ed Berger, President of the Margate Business Association. Berger’s role is to represent the interests of Margate’s business community.
Commissioner Amodeo: Lots was purchased ($915,000) in a foreclosure sale. ‘I wasn’t privy when it went up for sale’. (for measly $590,000)
New owner of lot, buys distressed properties. Commissioner Amodeo spent 2 hrs negotiating with her. She wants to flip it. Not interested in renting / leasing. Her business is buying distressed properties…and flipping.
Would that business district be interested in a public / private partnership?
Mayor Becker recommends that businesses get together. Partner with the city. Encouraged Tyman to call Berger.
Becker to Berger: “Ed, we’re just as busy as everyone else. Pick up the phone and see what your (Margate Business) association wants to do.”
What a mess! I am scratching my head wondering what our city government is trying to do to Margate. Why are they heading from a residential community to a commercial playground.
THERE COULD BE A LOW RISE GARAGE ON THAT PROPERTY IVE DONE SOME WORK FOR JOHN FOR THAT AND THERE ARE SHARED PARKING GRANTS FROM THE STATE AVAILABLE
I don’t understand why properly owners are permitted to draw these white and or yellow boxes in front of their homes??? When they all have driveways. There is no good reason to waste precious parking spaces!!