Margate leaders, residents debate vision for 50–60 acres of downtown property; small businesses seek long leases

Commissioner Tommy Rosano hosted a town hall in Margate on Thursday to discuss plans for a large downtown redevelopment on land owned by the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), saying the meeting was convened "to discuss the downtown project." Rosano said the CRA owns roughly 50 acres in the area that includes ACE Plaza, Chevy Chase Plaza and additional parcels along 441 and that the city is again negotiating development after years of litigation and stalled proposals.

Rosano framed the meeting as a listening session and repeated a position he described several times during the meeting: the city should keep control of its property and shape what is built. "We own the property," Rosano said, calling ownership key to negotiating rents, attracting businesses and earning revenue for the city. He warned against giving away too much land in a single deal and said the commission will seek resident input as negotiations continue.

Why it matters: Margate's CRA property has been the subject of developer proposals and a nearly seven‑year court case that constrained action on the land. Any agreement could change the look and economic profile of central Margate, affect longtime small businesses in ACE Plaza and influence annual city revenues.

Discussion highlights and options under consideration

Rosano summar…