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CRA approves Atlantic Center site plans after questions about costs and dumpster enclosure
Summary
The CRA approved site plans for the Atlantic Center redevelopment grant but board members spent extended time questioning line-item costs for landscaping and a visible dumpster enclosure; the developer said the overall project budget has increased above original estimates and that permits are in place.
The Margate CRA voted to approve site plans for the Atlantic Center under a grant agreement dated May 14, 2025, but the board engaged in an extended discussion about several line items in the proposed scope and the public-realm improvements the CRA funds would support.
Board members and members of the public questioned charges listed in the site-plan breakdown — for example, a landscaping design fee cited at about $5,900 paired with a landscape-construction line listed at about $9,200 — and asked whether dumpsters and dumpster enclosures were an appropriate use of CRA grant funds. The property manager said the existing dumpster enclosure is a 13-year-old wood picket structure that sits in front of a preschool and that the proposed work is a cosmetic and safety improvement; the enclosure item was listed at roughly $12,000.
Todd Napoli, the applicant and property owner, said the work is focused on exterior beautification to attract tenants and noted supply costs have risen since the project was first presented; he said the entire exterior program has moved from an earlier estimate to a total in excess of $1 million and that the $600,000 grant already approved will be supplemented by the owner.
Board members also discussed ADA ramps and parking-lot work; staff and the applicant said the ramps and parking improvements are separate contracting elements and that some sidewalk slopes must be regraded to meet ADA standards, which drives additional cost and requires separate contractors for paving and sitework.
Speakers emphasized long-standing concern about another nearby plaza’s condition and urged coordination with that property owner to improve the overall gateway. The owner said building permits are in and the developer is ready to begin once CRA approvals are finalized.
The board approved the site plans by roll call; staff said the grant agreement requires the grantee to operate and maintain the improvements in accordance with industry standards and city code going forward.
