The Margate Community Redevelopment Agency voted 3‑2 on April 9 to change the start time of its scheduled monthly meetings from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Item 3b on the agenda proposed moving the start time to 5 p.m.; during discussion board members proposed and adopted an amendment to set the start time at 6 p.m. The amendment and final motion were subject to sustained public comment, with residents and tenants offering competing perspectives on whether an earlier start time would help or hinder public participation.

Several residents said 7 p.m. allowed working families to attend or watch via Zoom. Rich Sakini told the board that many working residents “won’t even be at home to even be on Zoom” at 5 p.m. and urged the board to keep meetings at 7 p.m. Tracy Van Winkle said a 7 p.m. start is better for families because it avoids conflicting with dinner and youth activities.

Others argued an earlier time would help older residents who do not drive at night and would make it easier for city staff to attend. One board member said shifting the meeting earlier could broaden attendance for seniors and allow staff with daytime schedules to be present.

The final roll call on the amended motion to begin meetings at 6 p.m. recorded the following votes: Board Member Schwartz — yes; Board Member Serio — no; Board Member Simone — yes; Vice Chair Rosano — no; Chair Casciano — yes. The motion passed 3‑2.

Board members said the time change could be revisited if it proved to restrict attendance. Several members suggested staggering future meetings or holding occasional workshops at different times for major items.

The new start time takes effect immediately for scheduled monthly CRA meetings; the board directed staff to monitor public participation and bring the issue back if needed.