Amherst Ave residents in Margate are asking to share the following information in regards to development along the bayfront.
The Margate Homeowners Association is also recommending that residents attend the THURSDAY DEC 20 commissioner meeting.
Statement from Amherst residents in Margate is as follows:
On December 20, Commissioners are expected to adopt an ordinance that gives a private developer 7 parking spaces along the bay area restaurant district. The city is saying they are giving them the spaces in return for replacing the bulkhead. The facts are:
The developer wants to build a 5,800 square foot building over the top of the 7 parking spaces. Integrity Marina (the prior building) was only 2,300 square feet and sat entirely on the water.
The developer would have to replace the bulkhead anyway if he wanted to develop the property per his NJDEP permit.
The City of Margate contends that the land has no public use, while the area residents contend that they are public parking spaces.
The project requires 34 spaces and the developer has 0 spaces without the 7 spaces still way short of the requirement.
The City of Margate is not getting market value for the spaces based on other deals in the bay area.
There is a shortage of public parking spaces in this bay area restaurant district. During the summer, many cars park illegally due to lack of parking in the area. This is an existing safety concern which will be exacerbated by this and the restaurant project next door.
The City of Margate already approved the restaurant project next door which needs 60 spaces, but only has 4 spaces. This is being challenged by area residents and Sofia’s Restaurant.
Resident safety issues such as parking too close to the crosswalk and intersection, are not being addressed. Bicyclists and runners along Amherst Ave will be impacted by both projects.
As a reminder, the parking spots are for the benefit of all, not a select few, and should not be given away.
Voice your opinion at the DEC 20 Margate Commissioners meeting.
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