Margate Planning Board Rejects Key Variance Requests Amid Intense Debate
- Meeting Overview:
At a recent Margate Planning Board meeting, members voted against several variance requests for a development project on North Rumpson Avenue, despite impassioned discussions and mixed opinions from board members and residents. The meeting also addressed other significant variance requests for properties on South Kenyon Avenue, prompting detailed deliberations over zoning compliance, landscaping, and neighborhood aesthetics.
26:44The most contentious discussion of the evening centered around a proposed residential development project on North Rumpson Avenue, requiring multiple variances. The applicants sought to extend rear decks into the side yards and install a swimming pool that required several setback variances. Their representative, Eric Goldstein, introduced modifications to the project, such as reducing the height of the proposed deck to address neighbors’ concerns. Despite these adjustments, the board was divided over the necessity of the variances.
01:32:45One board member voiced skepticism about the rationale for the variances, stating that there was no compelling testimony justifying the requested changes. Concerns were also raised about potential negative precedents for future applications if the variances were granted. Ultimately, the motion to approve the variance requests related to the deck failed with a vote of two in favor and seven against, signaling strong opposition from the board.
02:34The meeting also discussed another application from Joseph and Barbara Murray, who sought variances for their property on South Kenyon Avenue. Represented by attorney James Swift and architect Chris Halliday, the Murrays aimed to elevate their existing single-family home, necessitating variances for building coverage and height. The modifications included eliminating the existing garage and increasing the sideyard setback to improve compliance with zoning regulations. Despite the proposed improvements, including transforming the first floor into non-livable garage storage to address floodplain concerns, the board had reservations about driveway access and potential curb cuts.
41:32Discussions highlighted the challenges of balancing property development with community standards and the importance of maintaining open spaces and landscaping. The board also deliberated on the implications of pool equipment placement, with concerns about compliance with flood elevation regulations and potential impacts on neighboring properties.
In the case of the North Rumpson Avenue project, there was debate over the pool’s location and the dimensions of the proposed decks. The board weighed the potential impacts on neighboring properties, as well as the importance of maintaining emergency access and adequate landscaping coverage. Despite these considerations, the absence of objections from nearby residents appeared to favor the development, though this did not sway the board’s final decision.
01:38:17As the meeting concluded, tensions were evident among board members, with some frustrated over perceived unanswered questions and the lack of consensus on the variances. The board chairman emphasized the need for open-mindedness in evaluating requests, but the evening ended with unresolved issues and a clear message from the board against the proposed changes for the North Rumpson Avenue project.
Michael Collins
Planning Board Officials:
Richard Patterson, Michael Richmond, Michael Collins (Mayor, Commissioner of Public Works), Tom Collins, Margaret Guber-Nulty (Vice Chairperson), Craig Palmisano, Stephen Jasiecki, Drew Campbell, Michael Ruffu, John Pitts (Mayor’s Designee), Daniel Adams (Board Member, Fire Chief), Rich Tolson, Patti Rosenberg, Roger McLarnon (Zoning Officer, Planner, Engineer), Palma Shiles (Board Administrator), Elias Manos, Esq. (Board Solicitor)
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/26/2025
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Recording Published:
06/30/2025
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Duration:
101 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Atlantic County
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Towns:
Margate City
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