Governor’s Order May Threaten Margate Community Redevelopment

Margate city officials voted yes Monday to contribute $1,000 in support of preserving special taxing districts in the state. These districts have come under review recently by the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget for general practices and accountability to taxpayers.

Under a January executive order by Florida Governor Rick Scott,* special districts, such as the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), are being examined to see whether they serve the purpose for which they were created, are being governed efficiently, and are spending tax money prudently and in a transparent manner.

"With such a significant impact on the lives of every Floridian and our economy, it is critical that we get a firm grasp on how these special districts are operating and hold them accountable, Scott said.

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Community Redevelopment News Briefs: Maybe a Big Box Tenant, New Business Breakfast, Budgetary Accountability and about $150K in Grants

A ray of hope shines in getting a tenant to occupy almost 19,000 square feet of retail space next to Thrift Addiction in the Chevy Chase Plaza at Margate Boulevard and 441.

The proposed tenant is a shoe/ beauty supply warehouse looking at a 5-year lease at $5.00 a square foot.  Property Manager for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Jim Nardi, said specific lease details have yet to be worked out, but will likely include a few months free rent. City commissioners (3-0) gave Nardi the green light to negotiate the deal. Margate Mayor, Pam Donovan and Commissioner, David McLean were absent from the meeting.

CRA officials previously discussed moving a farmer’s market or similar concept into that space, but said they would gladly abandon the idea in lieu of a long-term, rent-paying tenant.  

More CRA News…
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News & New Laws around the City

The 50th Anniversary celebration at Margate Elementary School last month was a hit with more than 1,000 students, families and friends in attendance. Pizza and cake were everywhere and performances, games, interactive exhibits and vendors ruled the four-hour extravaganza.

“As I’ve been saying all year, “We’re 50 and Fabulous!” announced Margate Elementary Principal Thomas Schroeder at the start of the event. “It means the world to have everyone here today.”

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Margate City Employees Making a Difference

Each month at City Hall, city officials recognize the accomplishments of various city personnel. Some are recognized for outstanding performance, others for doing a job well or exceeding expectations. Many are recognized for years of service to the city.

This month, Police, Fire and Water departments all commended employees for dedicated service and excellence.

See who they are…
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Locals gather ‘round to support new business in city

Fried polenta, fresh-baked focaccia, thin crust pizza and all kinds of Italian delights sizzled and drizzled at last week’s Ribbon Cutting ceremony at Café Vincenzo’s 5801 Margate Blvd. The Italian Eatery opened just in time for the holidays last year and their parmigiana, pasta fagioli, lobster bisque and crisp seasonal salads are worth a try. They have a full bar, formidable wine list and scrumptious homemade desserts.

The full-service restaurant is located at the end of Margate Blvd across from City Hall and minutes away from thousands of households off Margate Blvd., Rock Island Road and surrounding communities.

Ribbon Cutting is a tradition at the Margate Chamber of Commerce and a great way to introduce a Margate business to the community. Café Vincenzo’s was packed for theirs Wednesday night.

Why you should shop and dine locally…
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Margate Chamber of Commerce Eliminates Executive Director Position

Membership at the Margate Chamber of Commerce has been flat since the economy tanked in 2007. For every new Chamber member that comes on board another leaves, either due to fiscal problems that prevent a business from renewing its membership or the simple fact that the business closed.  

The Margate Chamber was founded in the city about 10 years ago and now faces a summer with virtually no means of income, said Chamber President, John Francis. Subsequently, the organization has had to make some difficult choices. One of which was to eliminate the Executive Director position at a yearly salary of $32,000.

“The decision was an economic one made by the Board,” Francis told MargateNews.net “It was a tough decision for everybody.”

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