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 acquisition not to exceed $1,425,000, including authorization for inspections, closing costs and related expenses. Board members discussed an existing lease on the property; one board member said the lease runs through March 2026. Staff confirmed the CRA would assume the lease. The resolution passed by roll call vote.

• Grant agreement with Atlantic Center LLC: The CRA approved a grant agreement for up to $600,000 for property at 6828–6896 West Atlantic Boulevard to fund property improvements. A board member thanked the applicant for putting up matching funds and encouraged other plaza owners to use the program. The grant was approved by roll call vote.

• Margate Boulevard crosswalk and landscape improvements: The board approved an agreement with FG Construction LLC (in response to CRA RFP 2020-42) for general construction services for the Margate Boulevard crosswalk and landscape improvements. Board discussion clarified that existing paver sidewalks along the sides of the road will remain, stamped concrete will replace crosswalks and color choices remain to be determined. The contract was approved by roll call vote.

• Southgate Boulevard median improvements change order: The board approved Change Order No. 1 to the construction agreement with MBR Construction, increasing the contract by $68,837.63 and adding 60 calendar days to the project completion time. The change order was approved by roll call vote.

• Interlocal agreement extending CRA sunset: The CRA approved an interlocal agreement with Broward County and the City of Margate to extend the CRA sunset date, allowing the agency more time to use redevelopment funds. Board members said the extension preserves funds that otherwise would be returned to contributing entities and gives the CRA additional time to address slum and blight with tax-increment financing tools. The resolution passed by roll call vote.

Discussion, concerns and next steps

Public commenters focused most of their remarks on the proposed purchase of 1100 North State Road 7, repeatedly asking why the CRA would pay up to $3,800,000 for a parcel whose county appraiser value they said is about $1.42 million. Board members responded that commercial appraisals and county-certified market values can differ and that the CRA has obtained at least one appraisal (a board member said an internal appraisal returned a value around $3.5 million) and is completing a second appraisal and due diligence. Several board members also said the parcel will be folded into overall planning for the downtown city‑center and that demolition of the existing motel on the site will be explored if the purchase is completed; one board member said they would seek demolition pricing as part of closing and due-diligence work.

On 5915 Park Drive, board members said the CRA would assume the existing lease while planning future integration with adjacent plaza property and potential plaza expansion.

Executive director report and planning timeline

The executive director reported biweekly coordination meetings with Brookfield, which is assembling a team of architects, engineers, master planners and public-outreach consultants. Staff said a high-level master-planning document is expected to be presented to the board in June and a more refined visioning package in August to support public engagement.

Other operational notes

Jim Nardi of Advanced Asset Management reported that rent for CRA-managed properties is current and that staff is preparing tenant notices to acknowledge potential changes as redevelopment advances. Board members discussed tenant communications and lease out‑clauses and said staff will provide documentation for prospective tenants.

Votes at a glance

Item — Outcome — Key details • Resolution approving FG Construction LLC agreement (Margate Boulevard crosswalk and landscape) — Approved — Contract for general construction services (RFP response). Mover/second: not specified in the record. Roll call: all voting members recorded as Yes. • Resolution approving change order No. 1 to MBR Construction (Southgate Boulevard median) — Approved — Increase $68,837.63; add 60 days. Mover/second: not specified. Roll call: unanimous. • Resolution approving purchase agreement with BLL Corporation (1100 N State Road 7) — Approved — Not to exceed $3,800,000; authorizes inspections, surveys, closing costs and investigation. Mover/second: not specified. Roll call: unanimous. • Resolution approving purchase agreement with 5915 Park Drive, LLC (5915 Park Drive) — Approved — Not to exceed $1,425,000; CRA to assume existing lease. Mover/second: not specified. Roll call: unanimous. • Resolution approving grant agreement with Atlantic Center LLC (6828–6896 W. Atlantic Blvd.) — Approved — Grant up to $600,000 for property improvements. Mover/second: not specified. Roll call: unanimous. • Resolution approving interlocal agreement extending CRA sunset (Broward County / City of Margate / Margate CRA) — Approved — Extends sunset date to preserve redevelopment funds. Mover/second: not specified. Roll call: unanimous.

What to watch next

Staff will complete due diligence on both acquisitions, including final appraisals, inspections and lease reviews, and will return to the board with closing documents and demolition cost estimates if authorized. Brookfield is scheduled to deliver a high-level master-planning document for board review in June and refined visioning materials in August for public outreach.