Margate CRA lets Prince of Peace Church stay rent-free until Aug. 31, 2025; escrow to cover $10,000/month if extended

The Margate Community Redevelopment Agency on Wednesday authorized an amendment to the post-occupancy agreement for the former Prince of Peace Church at 6012 Northwest Ninth Court, allowing the congregation to remain at the property rent-free through Aug. 31, 2025. The board directed the executive director to sign the amendment and agreed that if the church remains after Aug. 31 the CRA will deduct $10,000 per month from a $100,000 escrow held in trust by Weiser.

Board member Joanne Simone said she saw “no harm in letting them stay until Sept. 2,” noting the building will be demolished when the CRA takes possession, and recommended that the board make the extension final. Board member Simone’s suggestion for a firm end date framed the board’s action.

The issue arose because the CRA bought the property last year and closed with a post-occupancy agreement requiring the church to vacate by June 9, 2025. CRA staff told the board the church asked to stay longer because its replacement location is unfinished. Staff said the property currently shows a code violation related to a 40-year safety inspection and that the 40-year safety letter expires Sept. 2, 2025.

Board member Schwartz objected to a perceived tone in a recent letter from the seller and urged a shorter extension; he said the CRA had paid “2.7 million” for the property and was entitled to enforce the original terms. Vice Chair Antonio Rosano and other board members argued for acting in good faith while setting clear limits. Rosano moved to allow the church to stay through the new deadline, and after an amendment the board settled on Aug. 31, 2025, as the final rent‑free date.

Jim Nardi, the CRA executive director, described the escrow arrangement: the CRA is holding $100,000 in escrow that was paid at closing but not conveyed to the seller under the post-occupancy agreement. The board directed staff that if the church is not out by Aug. 31 the CRA will deduct $10,000 per month from that escrow until the congregation vacates; the board also required the congregation to maintain insurance while occupying the property. Nardi said if the seller rejects the amendment staff could send a default letter and pursue the escrow and, if necessary, eviction.

Residents raised safety and permitting concerns during public comment. A resident identified as Donna Fellows told the board she lives next to the church and asked whether interior work was permitted, saying, “I see them bringing the wood in and everything like that,” and urged the CRA to review any unpermitted structural work. Another resident, Tracy Van Winkle, urged the CRA to set a clear month-end deadline and said she opposed charging the church rent after having allowed it to remain rent-free.

The motion to authorize the executive director to sign the amendment passed unanimously in a roll-call vote: Board member Schwartz — yes; Board member Serio — yes; Board member Simone — yes; Vice Chair Antonio Rosano — yes; Chair Eric Casciano — yes.

The board instructed staff to return to the board only if the church declines the amendment or if staff needs authorization to pursue escrow disbursement or eviction proceedings.

Background: the property was purchased by the CRA in 2024 with a post-occupancy agreement that originally required the church to vacate by June 9, 2025. The CRA is planning to demolish the building after taking possession.

Costs, deadlines and enforcement remain tied to the escrow and any future legal steps the CRA may take if the seller does not accept the amendment.