Margate Commissioners updated the city’s zoning regulations last week. Some of issues addressed include:
- Driveway parking
- Population density
- Number of bedrooms
- Too tall on narrow parcels
- Commercial mixed use
- Lack of affordable homes
Listen to Margate commission aug 3, 2023
Contractors sitting on lots, waiting for market to change.
Neighbors, especially 2nd homeowners, frustrated that Margate’s Planning Board still blocking live video stream of meetings.
Margate residents worry about further decline in commercial space while Margate’s Planning Board OK’s aggressive residential development.
Note: All three Margate Commissioners are in the building trades. All seemingly amenable to aggressive building and development.
- Mayor Collins owns Colmar Hardware.
- Cathy Horn is part of Horn Electric.
- Maury Blumberg has door installation business.
Modifications to Margate Commercial Business Districts.
McLarnon says, ‘commercial uses will be standardized in all 3 Margate business districts.’
A cap on square footage of residential space above commercial area. Residential square footage should not exceed twice the size of the commercial sq footage below.
Margate Planning Board tweaks zoning rules. Residents asking for more transparency in the process.
Mayor Collins promised more public access to meetings, but we’re getting less. Still no video or remote public comment.
Margate Homeowners on Facebook
Lot widths of 40 ft or less can have a 10-ft-wide curb cut. Bigger lots over 40 ft can have curb cut of 18 ft.
Stopping growth of so-called ‘lighthouse’ properties. Height of residential development on narrow lots. The updated ordinance now permits 2 habitable floors above parking, or 2.5 floors without parking underneath.
Address density by restricting number of bedrooms.
Ordinance restricts building heights to 25 feet in the Historic Marven Gardens section of Margate.
Margate Zoning Officer Roger McLarnon, along with Mayor Collins and Business Admin Ken Mosca want more input from residents. Live ZOOM video with commenting would solve that challenge.
Note: Most towns (Ventnor, Atlantic City, Brigantine) live-video stream their meetings, complete with remote public comment. Margate and Longport do not.
Mayor Collins appoints the Margate Planning Board.
I’m wondering if they’re banning live zoom from everybody this violates the American disabilities act as there’s some people who physically cannot get to the meetings?
I’ve spoken with the building department. Written a published article about ugly and unnecessary home building going on in Margate. I don’t buy the argument about McMansions being needed for tax revenue.
I’ve been a 2nd home homeowner for 24 years now in Margate. It seems that the city functioned quite well for those years. If taxes need to go up, so be it, but making that the argument for the horrible building that is taking place is, in my opinion, sheer nonsense.
It seems clear to all that the impropriety going on is just that – impropriety and, dare I say, questionable.
The liberties that these builders are given is a slap in the face to long-time Margate residents. We are continuing to see the ruin of a charming beach town. The new homes are higher than 2 stories above the garage.
Until new leaders without personal financial benefit are in power, the unconscionable building will continue.
Why isn’t there a ballot question being put to the residents? It is they who should have the say.
The new, oversized box houses have taken away the city’s charm.
Middle class people can not afford to live there.
Decreasing year round residents and families with children…it will continue to decrease.
SMH.
Ah the tired charm comments again… small old houses with charm don’t sustain the tax base, city services and businesses. Your taxes would be 2-3x higher based on the old, tiny houses in todays world.
I guess all the locals are getting screwed by locals. They voted for this. Be careful what you wish for.
I guess 70% of property owners and taxpayers are taking over.
Where will the locals all move as they get priced out?
There was an election over these same issues and the voters spoke loud and clear to continue on the same path
It’s great that wealthy paying so much in taxes, but not great that middle class literally being PUSHED OUT of Margate.
Just look around Margate City- no one can deny it. Very sad to see over the last 10 years.
Why don’t they just rename Margate, Longport now? Playground exclusively for the ultra wealthy.
A town for the rich! All the locals came together and voted for this .
Started going to Margate 5 or 6 years ago when my in-laws purchased a home there. I fell in love with this seaside village immediately.
It was like time stood still. I felt like I went back in time to the 50’s or 60’s. Fourth of July celebration was fun and family oriented. (Not that way anymore)
I have to tell you, Margate has lost it’s charm. The homes are beautiful, don’t get me wrong. But not charming. More cookie cutter.
Signed
Keep the Charm