Listen to Margate Planning Board audio > Marven Gardens in Margate is a rare, seashore neighborhood that features 100 yr old homes styled in Tudor Revival, Mission/Spanish and Colonial.
Mixed in-between the classic architecture and beautiful landscaping are a few of the newer, taller, and bigger style of shore property. Some refer to them as ‘McMansions’, and a majority of the 120 Marven Gardens homeowners want to keep these towering structures out.
That’s why after years of unsuccessful attempts, adding a 3rd floor to a home is still not allowed in the Marven Gardens neighborhood of Margate. The most recent try came from residents, Robert & Amy Chipetz . They asked for a minor variance, not a major upgrade. No dice.
On May 25, the Margate Planning Board voted NO on the Chipetz’s request for Marven Gardens variance relief.
Listen to audio clips from that Margate Planning Board meeting:
The Chipetz family wanted to build out a third floor attic, turning it into a room for their grandchildren. This would add about 4 feet in height to their classic, stucco home. The Chipetz’s didn’t want to expand into their nicely sized backyard. They only wanted to ‘bump upward’ a bit.
Opponents say loosening restrictions in this one-of-a kind Margate neighborhood is a slippery slope. Variances like this could snowball and ruin the unique architectural aura and beauty of Marven Gardens.
Will growing families accelerate tear downs & rebuilds Marven Gardens? That’s what some fear. Most new construction homes in Marven Gardens are clad in vinyl siding (GASP) and will lose some, or much of their authentic look.
Most of the homes in Marven Gardens in Margate were built in the 1920s. It’s one of the most expensive areas in Margate. Nice sized yards, leafy, quiet and a tucked-away escape from the bustle of summertime craziness.
Margate Planning Board & Zoning: Fairly and openly administer the requirements for development in Margate as set forth in the Master Plan and the Land Use Ordinances.
The Margate Planning Board said NO by a unanimous vote of 7- 0.
- Tom Collins – Decision affects next 50+ years, keep character intact.
- Clem Wasleski- Protect against a town flooded with ‘architectural garbage’.
- Richard Patterson – Residents need to decide what’s best for Marven Gardens.
- Jim Galantino – After all these years, we still don’t want 3rd floors
- Margaret Guber-Nulty – We must maintain integrity of this 2 story community.
- Craig Palmisano- The master plan supports the 2 stories restriction
- Mike Richmond – When you buy into Marven Gardens, know what the restrictions are.
Want more info about Marven Gardens? Looking to buy or sell in Margate or Ventnor? Contact Larry Campbell & DownbeachHomes.com. Call 609-442-6972.
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