The City Commission of Margate voted 3-2 on Feb. 5, 2025, to appoint Commissioner Tommy Rosano as vice chair of the City of Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board.

The vote followed more than an hour of debate among commissioners and several public speakers about who should hold the vice chair role as the city prepares to select a developer for a major downtown redevelopment. The motion to appoint Rosano passed with the following roll call: Tommy Rosano — yes; Anthony Caggiano — no; Joanne Simone — no; Vice Mayor Arturo Serio — yes; Mayor Arlene Schwartz — yes.

Supporters framed the choice as a matter of experience; Rosano emphasized his background during the discussion, saying, "I'm honest. I'm blunt. That's what it is. I've got over 30 years of experience." Opponents questioned whether the nominee or the other candidate had completed an available CRA certification course: when asked if she held that certificate, Commissioner Joanne Simone replied, "No. I do not." The commission debate included repeated references to a recent election and to past litigation involving redevelopment contracts.

Several residents addressed the commission before and during the vote. Elsa Sanchez, identified in public comment as a Margate resident, urged commissioners to rely on staff-provided information and reminded the commission that "All members are equal," saying the CRA's work "does not depend on one person for information or decision." Other speakers asked procedural questions about who sets CRA agendas and pressed for resident input on redevelopment planning.

Commissioners and members of the public repeatedly said the CRA needs shared visioning and public workshops before a final developer selection. Commissioners stated they expect workshops and additional public engagement to identify a consensus for the downtown project.

The resolution appointing Rosano was recorded as "approved." The commission did not adopt any additional action that night to change CRA rules or the appointment process.