Some local leaders and business owners continue to push for the revitalization of Downtown Salisbury – 47abc

SALISBURY, Md. – Developers are looking to build new apartment complexes in downtown Salisbury. The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce President, Bill Chambers, said the city is in the perfect position to grow.

“What’s happening in the city of Salisbury right now? We’re sitting on $200 million of investment. Most of it is housing investment, and we’re hoping the Mayor and City Council move forward with it.”

The City has been at a crossroads, as developers are looking to revitalize the downtown area. There’s a split among local businesses; some are supportive, while others are more reluctant.

The owner of Blackwater Apothecary, Nicole Blackwater is a proponent of development. She is also the co-founder of the Downtown Salisbury Business Alliance. She believes these buildings will bring more life into the area.

“Seeing that downtown is stuck in a cycle where business is open, they do well for a few months, and then they begin to struggle. One thing the residential density amendment can do is break that cycle of struggling businesses.”

Those in opposition point to parking as a major concern. The Salisbury Town Center is a proposed development that would replace parking lots 1, 11, and 15. Many community residents stand against development. Those include Mayor Randy Taylor and Real Estate Guru Holly Worthington.

However, Chambers said the growth will benefit the city long-term. “Don’t snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, if people want to spend money and develop housing both commercial or mixed-use, get out of their way and let them do it. Or they will take their money to another state. It has already happened in other jurisdictions.”

The Zoning and Planning Commission has already voted in favor of the Salisbury Town Center.  The potential development must pass through the City Council before construction can begin.

The next City Council meeting will be at city hall in January.