Margate Planning Board Laughs at Those Opposed To More High-Rises.

margate planning board
Dismissive Margate Planning Board.

Close to 150 residents attended the Margate Planning Board meeting of June 25.

Once particular topic that caused much concern… again… was talk of high-rises.

Margate Planning Board. 6.25.20

Margate Zoning Chief, Roger McLarnon: We want to revisit the master plan in regard to the hotel overlay. This will happen at a future meeting; proposed zoning changes and building heights.

Original plan was to have a 220 ft hotel/condo featuring transient use on the site of Ventura’s Greenhouse.

McLarnon feeling guilty. ‘We’re not trying to hide anything.

Disrespectful Planning Board

Neighboring Island House concerned about changes to permitted building heights in Margate.

More shameful behavior from Margate’s Planning Board.

Neighbors who want to protect historic Lucy the Elephant, were laughed at by the Margate Planning Board. Chairman Rich Patterson did nothing to stop it. No apologies either.

Margate Planning Board: ‘Hey Rich, think we’ll propose taking 8 floors off the Island House to stop those winds? Hahahaha, Good idea. That’s was a good one. So funny.’

Margate’s Mayor Becker plays a major role in selecting Planning Board members. So many bad choices. Embarrassing.

Margate Concerned Citizens Group.

Next Margate City Commissioner meeting is July 2.

Margate Commission Wants Another High-Rise.
Dismissive Margate Planning Board

15 thoughts on “Margate Planning Board Laughs at Those Opposed To More High-Rises.”

  1. It is sad that some members of The Planning Board appear not only to be biased but actually laugh and make fun of concerns that residents have. Margate officials value Lucy enough to put it on the highway signs, their water tower and their literature. However, they’d hide her behind a 100 foot building and take away the great views from her observation deck and subject her to significant harm the increased wind drafts from this high rise will inflict on her.

  2. The planning board comment about taking 8 stories off the Island House was inappropriate and not a laughing matter. I believe the planning member who made the comment was Michael Cristaldi. How the Margate Commissioners can again consider introducing a revision to the Master Plan allowing the maximum height to 110 feet is beyond comprehension. The current commissioners said 2 years ago that the overlay was dead and never to be revisited. Now when Lou DiVentura has new drawings and a detailed proposal to build a 105-foot condominium with a restaurant, this overlay is now being considered by the Commissioners. A coinsidence- I don’t think so.

  3. These commissioners are the worst we’ve ever had. They don’t know how to tell the truth or keep a promise. I’ve lived in Margate for almost 40 years. It is very embarrassing to me how these these guys tarnish the reputation of an otherwise wonderful community. Can’t wait till they leave office.

      1. I hope everyone who voted them in will live the new hotel. Be proud who you let make these decisions and spend our money. Love the fact We the People have no say with what they do with our tax money!

    1. Larry, how many times have you voted for these guys, what have you done to inspire the next generation of leaders. Sitting on the sidelines and complaining gets you the 3 Amigos, good luck!

  4. The residents of Margate will never allow a 10-story building/hotel overshadowing Lucy the Elephant… Looking forward to the next meeting July 2nd. Let’s come out in big numbers!

  5. I think the 3 Amigos are doing a great job, they work really hard and should be allowed to do whatever they think is in their best interest. We no longer live in a real democracy anymore so what does it matter.

  6. Poor Lucy! She may be infected by a virus called the Margate Hotel Plan sponsored by three Commissioners who have lied about protecting her and supported by an insulting Planning Board! Sorry Lucy. I’d say stand strong but with their future plans no one will see you!!

  7. A colleague of mine who is pretty high up in the NJ Attorney General’s office believes that some bribery may be in play here. He promised me that if this goes any further, he can trigger an investigation.

    It wouldn’t be the first such situation involving a small town with a corrupt planning board that he prosecuted. If this is the case, with the right investigation it will be uncovered quickly. Then a little jail time (and there is good precedent for this) should resolve this travesty permanently. And it couldn’t happen to nicer people!

    Also, maybe it’s time to organize a boycott for Mayor Becker’s overpriced hardware store across from Downbeach Deli.

    1. Considering that Mr. Cristaldi owns a prestigious local construction company and Collins and Becker own and manage respectively, the local hardware store, I would say they all have a vested interest in building, constructing, adding on, permitting construction that is currently against city ordinance for height restrictions…. need I go on?

      Seems painfully obvious that the members of the Planning Bd. have their own private agenda to increase their individual businesses’ bottom line. The interests of Margate residents is the least of things to be considered. I cannot wait to vote all three out of office unless there’s something we residents can do to oust them sooner.

      I could never have imagined so much corruption in a small town such as Margate.

      Please Don, we need your help and that of your colleague sooner rather than later. ???????? Let’s not forget the insurance fraud scheme perpetrated by city employees, and still being investigated, as a reminder of how bad things can get before anyone notices or speaks up.

      Another thing that has bothered me for years … how did Downbeach Deli gain total possession of what used to be a municipal parking lot on the corner of Ventnor Ave & Essex Ave now privately utilized for their own purposes and has been for many years. While we’re at it, can we look into the deal The City made (behind residents backs) with the owner of Lamberti’s on Amherst Avenue?

      The deal that turned Lamberti’s 99 year lease on the property into complete ownership in exchange for his agreeing to repair and maintain a stretch of bulkhead (under his structure) and make necessary improvements to the parking lot on Monroe Ave (property that was included in the original 99 year lease).

      Also how did Lamberti get the green light to begin construction on a three level building on the bay instantly blocking bay views of residents across the street! Those beautiful, sweeping views surely played a large part in deciding to buy homes across the street from the bay.

      I would bet my last dollar if Mayor Becker or any of the other “powers that be” lived in one of those homes, a 3-story structure in front of their home would never ever have gotten off the ground. So how DID that happen?? I for one would love some answers and explanations of these events. Please, please help Don. We need you now!

  8. A colleague of mine who is pretty high up in the NJ Attorney General’s office believes that some bribery may be in play here. He promised me that if this goes any further, he can trigger an investigation.

    It wouldn’t be the first such situation involving a small town with a corrupt planning board that he prosecuted. If this is the case, with the right investigation it will be uncovered quickly. Then a little jail time (and there is good precedent for this) should resolve this travesty permanently.

    And it couldn’t happen to nicer people!

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