Margate addresses parking problems, street cleaning

By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer
MARGATE – Parking dominated discussion at the Margate City Commission meeting held Thursday, Jan. 11. Finding enough spaces for cars here in summertime is like trying to put 10 pounds of sugar in a 5-pound sack.
Parking spots are rapidly disappearing. Lots used for parking have been sold and are now occupied by homes under construction on Granville Avenue, just off the business district. A lot there two years ago accommodated 20 cars.
On one side of the street are the business owners, who say it is tough enough to keep shoppers interested in stores along Ventnor Avenue; but when there is nowhere to park, patrons may just take their business elsewhere. On the other side fighting for spaces are residents who live near the shopping district or have apartments above businesses who want to park their cars near their homes.
Business owner Howard Seiden, owner of Casel’s Supermarket, said residents leave their cars in front of the stores all day and go to the beach, preventing customers from parking.
The commissioners discussed using meters. Mayor Vaughn Reale said he spoke with Ventnor Mayor Tim Kreischer about meters and that they may be something Margate needs to consider.
Street cleaning is another concern. Property owners along Ventnor Avenue like Mark McJovian say there must be a better way to assure the streets are swept weekly.
The city commissioners directed public works determine how long it takes to sweep a block and come up with a schedule. They said signs will be issued to keep cars out of each block for an hour a week for cleaning.
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