Margate Cuts City Center Housing Plan From 950 to 600 Units

After heated CRA debate, the housing unit cap was reduced to address resident concerns.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:51pm

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The Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) passed a resolution approving a development agreement between the CRA and Brookfield DA Holdings for the City Center project, but after a long and contentious meeting, the CRA board agreed to reduce the housing unit cap from 950 to 600 units.

Why it matters

The City Center project is a major development for Margate, and the number of housing units has been a point of contention among residents and city officials. Reducing the unit count aims to address community concerns and create a more balanced development.

The details

Vice chair Tommy Ruzzano argued passionately against the original 950-unit plan, saying Margate residents don't want that many apartments at the City Center. Other board members also expressed concerns about the high number of units, but agreed to listen to Brookfield's presentation. Ultimately, the board decided to reduce the unit cap to 600, while also emphasizing the need for high-quality stores and restaurants to make the City Center a destination where people will want to come and have fun.

  • The CRA board passed the resolution approving the development agreement during the March 11, 2026 meeting.

The players

Tommy Ruzzano

Vice chair of the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board, who argued against the original 950-unit plan.

Antonio Areserio

CRA board member who said he understood the developer's need to build housing units, but wanted the number reduced.

Arlene Schwartz

CRA board member who expressed worries that Margate is merely a pass-through city for people heading to destinations like the Prominade in Coconut Creek.

Anthony Caggiano

CRA board chair who said that if the property was not developed, the city would decline, and few people would want to live there.

Joanne Simone

CRA board member who said more young people prefer living in apartments near the services they need.

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What they’re saying

“Margate residents don't want 950 apartments at the City Center, and I represent the residents of the city.”

— Tommy Ruzzano, Vice chair, Margate Community Redevelopment Agency

“If the property was not developed, the city would decline, and few people would want to live there.”

— Anthony Caggiano, Chair, Margate Community Redevelopment Agency

What’s next

Further discussion will determine what will be built at City Center.

The takeaway

The Margate City Center project has been a contentious issue, with residents and city officials debating the appropriate number of housing units. By reducing the unit cap from 950 to 600, the CRA aims to strike a balance between development and community concerns, while also emphasizing the need for high-quality retail and dining to make the City Center a destination.