Re: Margate Executive Golf Course Green Space
Dear City Commissioners,
I am writing to you because of the application which will be coming before you to rezone the green space (Margate Executive Golf Course) into 132 townhomes on December 6, 2023 at 7PM. As President of Garden Patio Villas, I am representing approximately 200-225 seniors that live and own villas adjacent to this green space.
Many in our community do not drive anymore. Many can not walk much anymore. All of us enjoy the quietness of living out our lives in our retirement community. I also represent the many seniors who are unable to attend Commissioner Meetings.
When these areas were built in the 1970’s, although there was plenty of green space, Margate Commissioners requested this land to remain a green belt of space for residents. As you know, when the Comprehensive Plan was first created in 1989, it states that the density of the surrounding Oriole Gardens Condominiums Phase II and Garden Patio Villas Association were allowed to be higher in exchange for this green space. This land was developed into a golf course in 1982. In current years, this land has exchanged ownership within the family. The present owner is a building developer and wants to rezone the green space into townhomes! (Source: ELEMENT IV RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT; Golf Courses)
As you know, in August 2020, the City of Margate decided to update our Comprehensive Plan. After many meetings, research and analysis was done, some of the results of this work, found that residents of Margate wanted to continue to focus on preserving, maintaining and expanding existing open green spaces. Keeping green space still holds true today! (Source: Element I Future Land Use Element Data, Inventory & Analysis August 2020 Volume I)
For 50+ years, Margate has been known to be a wonderful city that allows us to have a family friendly environment along with a quiet atmosphere for seniors and the elderly. These factors along with green space is why many moved to Margate! Please consider the history of Margate along with the consistent desire that Margate should keep and maintain the beautiful green belt of spaces we still have in our city.
Please vote for us and thousands of Margate residents who desire to maintain this green space!
Thank you for reading this letter and for considering the many residents who want to see this green space saved. We hope you will support the residents of Margate. We want to keep this historical green belt of space that the earlier Margate Commissioners requested, and keep it green!
PS. I will be sharing this letter on our website for all of our Members and family to read.
Sincerely,
Melodie Savoca, President
On behalf of The Board of Directors
Garden Patio Villas Association
(954)543-0480 (text or call)
Garden Patio Villas Website
Garden Patio Villas Facebook
