It’s back to court on Jan 31 for Margate City and builder Steve Baglivo. Their ongoing dispute involves alleged violations of zoning ordinance regarding the Margate Gardens residential and retail complex at the corner of Ventnor and Coolidge Aves.
See latest Baglivo legal DOCS below.
Key issues between builder Baglivo and Margate City:
- Unauthorized Unit Division: Margate claims the 6 approved residential units were illegally divided into 12 units, each with its own kitchen and laundry facilities. Units are separated with door equipped with deadbolt lock. One unit approved for two bedrooms, had three bedrooms. The city argues this makes it 12 units on the same footprint, in violation of zoning ordinances.
- Finished Attic: The attic above the ground-floor commercial space has been fully finished for use, which was not part of the approved site plan and lacks zoning approvals.
- Unauthorized Office: A mailroom designated in the plans was converted into an office without the required zoning approvals and mercantile license.
- Unfulfilled TCO Requirements: Baglivo was required to provide a piling vibration report, flood proofing certificate, evidence of elevator installation, and pass final zoning reinspection to obtain full Certificate of Occupancy (CO). TCOs expired June 17, 2024 due to non-compliance with final requirements.
- Refusal of Inspection: Baglivo refused to allow city officials to conduct a final inspection, which resulted in the expiration of the TCOs. On July 11, 2024, Baglivo allegedly asked city inspector to leave property?
- Current Occupancy: The 12 residential units are fully occupied despite lack of valid COs?
Baglivo Brief:
Jim Galantino was city building official that oversaw my project from inception to completion.
Builder Steve Baglivo
LISTEN: Margate Solicitor Scott Abbott and Baglivo Atty Eric Goldstein from April 2024:
Baglivo calling out preferential treatment given to those with “affiliation or connection to either McLarnon or one or more other politicians.”
Baglivo points jealous finger at 9707 Amherst (Lamberti), 9700 Ventnor (Tequila Bar), 9317 Amherst Ave (Leeds), and 9408-12 Ventnor Ave (former Johnny’s parking lot). Allegedly, none were required to post such bonds.
In September of 2023, Margate told Baglivo he must post a performance bond for 12 temporary COs at a cost of $135,603.36 in cash. Margate also required Baglivo to post inspection escrow of $5,650 cash or Baglivo would be denied a CO, certificate of occupancy.
Were extra kitchens removed? According to Margate Construction Official Jim Galantino, the Margate Gardens Apt units were inspected after the kitchens were removed. Temp CO’s were then awarded.
Abbott our city solicitor has been lying and it clearly appears he was involved in a cover up.
Goldstein the attorney is also telling fibs.
Their lack of character and honesty is all coming out.
Time to make the liars known to all.
I am sure it goes much deeper than Abbott and Goldstein.
You hit the nail on the head. Zero integrity . They expect the public to believe their lies. Scott Abbot is an embarrassment to the entire legal profession. I’m certain he was ranked number 1 or 2 in his graduating class. 1 or 2 from the bottom. OPRA request his contract. The city is paying him more than he is worth . What ever you think he is receiving is salary, is wrong. It’s much higher!
Does anyone know if Baglivo was able to renew liability insurance on the buildings considering he doesn’t have a CO to TCO?
The residents and businesses should demand to see a current policy asap, along with city officials.
Not sure renters insurance would be valid without the buildings having liability insurance.