Since 2020, the NJ State DEP has asked Margate to stop the non-compliant use of public beaches for retail food, alcohol and live entertainment.
NJ State wants Margate to remove all illegal structures on the beach.
Margate’s Mayor Collins, Margate’s Construction Official Galantino, along with Solicitor Scott Abbott and Atty Eric Goldstein seem to be in no hurry to comply.
DEP-Venture-Margate-AUG-2024-Letter-recapSelective Enforcement of Law?
Senator Vince Polistina wants to make permanent a Covid era law allowing bars / restaurants to offer outdoor dining, drinking and live music. This could potentially benefit Ventura’s current non-compliant, very popular beach bar next to Lucy the Elephant.
FYI: Margate City ordinance prohibits drinking on the DEP controlled beach.
Most recently, on August 12, 2024, Green Acres issued Margate a “Notice of Noncompliance – Private Encroachment on Green Acres Unfunded Parkland.”
HISTORY: Local residents exposed then Margate Commissioner, John Amodeo for alleged involvement in a potential high-rise project next to Lucy the Elephant.
Amodeo claimed this would never happen.
In June 2024, Gov Murphy signed into law a controversial overhaul / gutting of OPRA, the Open Public Records Act. Murphy ignored pleas from both sides of the aisle and most media outlets. He signed the bill that effectively reduces government transparency.
So why did NJ Senator Polistina recuse himself from the vote? Polistina OPRA
Downbeach taxpayers also asking why Polistina doesn’t support live ZOOM video for Margate municipal and CRDA meetings. Read more.
DownbeachBUZZ: Locally, who voted NO to GUT OPRA bill?
- Michael Testa
- Don Guardian
- Claire Swift
Senator Vince Polistina – initially voted no, but later changed his vote to ‘not voting’.
‘significant blow to transparency’
“By siding with political insiders who serve special interests, Gov Murphy has ignored the will of the people and dismisses the growing movement to restore our democracy and hold government accountable to the people it serves.”
“Instead, it gives commercial interests the advantage of paying special fees to expedite their requests and shields government agencies, municipalities and public officials from unwanted but necessary public scrutiny, it makes it far more challenging for the public, journalists, nonprofits, and government watchdogs to obtain the information they need to ensure accountability and uncover corruption.”
Selective Enforcement of Margate Local Ordinance, OPRA transparency.
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Please ask Amodeo, Polistina, Goldstein and the Ventura owner the following:
Why are they still not complying on bar removal after their appeals and subsequent appeal state denials and targeted compliance dates?
What brand of sheets are they using while being politically connected in bed together?
The legislation regarding outdoor dining during Covid was supposed to be temporary.
Another pro business decision by Senator Polistina circumventing the usual necessary regulatory requirements for changes to or establishment of a business.
Margate gets zero for allowing this beach bar. No real estate taxes. No sales tax. No rent. No fees. Why are Margate public officials supporting it and violating the law?
I guess anyone can open a business on the beach next summer without any problems from Mayor Collins. Just get Atty Goldstein to represent you!
And I can drink on the beach while smoking cigars without any problem? Why buy a beach tag if they are making so much from these illegal businesses?
This letter says the Covid law allowing restaurants to open on public sidewalks doesn’t apply to the Green Acres area. And Margate law says no drinking on the beach.
It’s a total joke. Rules for thee, not for me.
I’m sure Margate Solicitor Abbott will have another investigation!
Will this violation impact the liquor license? Sad because we all enjoy Ventura’s Greenhouse.