Margate CRA unanimously approves property purchases, grant and construction changes as downtown planning advances

The Margate Community Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously at its May 14 meeting to approve several redevelopment measures, including purchase agreements for two properties, a $600,000 façade grant, a construction change order and a new construction-services contract, while staff updated the board on downtown master planning with Brookfield.

The actions are designed to assemble parcels and move preliminary infrastructure and planning work forward for the agency’s downtown redevelopment effort. Board members said the property purchases and the other measures are investments that will support the planned city-center work now being developed with Brookfield.

Board action and the most consequential items

• Property at 1100 North State Road 7: The CRA approved a contract of purchase and sale with BLL Corporation authorizing expenditures not to exceed $3,800,000 and directing the executive director to complete due diligence, inspections and surveys. The resolution authorizes the chair and executive director to execute closing documents and investigate property condition pursuant to the contract. Public commenters questioned the price compared with the Broward County property appraiser value; one resident said the appraiser lists a value of $1,419,860. Board members said the agency has obtained internal appraisals and is completing due diligence. During public comment, Mr. Kraljic, a Margate resident, asked who initiated the purchase and called the proposed price “mere speculation” without a public appraisal. Elsa Sanchez, a Margate resident, said: “I don't know the reason why you want to spend all this money on this property.” The board approved the contract by roll call vote.

• Property at 5915 Park Drive: The CRA approved a contract of purchase and sale with 5915 Park Drive, LLC for…