SALISBURY, Md.- The Salisbury City Council this week approved plans for the development of two parcels of land at the Port of Salisbury Marina for commercial and residential use.
The vacant waterfront property sits between River's Edge Apartments and a small city parking lot on Main Street. Salisbury Development Group LLC, purchased the property.
The property will be developed into a 15,000-square-foot retail center with shops, apartments, a boat house and outdoor activity space. Salisbury Mayor Jake Day said in a statement to WBOC, "The project will contribute significantly to the city's tax base."
Roland Jones and his wife live near the Port of Salisbury Salisbury and said the new development is a welcome addition to the community.
"It's a good thing. I don't have any problems with it, there will be jobs for people. I just really think it's a good thing," Jones said.
Neighbors like William Collier have concerns and said the nearby community has not benefited from past development in the area.
"We don't see anything coming from the actual association with building the Riverfront. I don't think the city is actually doing what they need to be doing to make sure the city is being made beautiful the way it should be besides only in certain areas downtown," Collier said.
Project Architect Keith Fisher said there will be several stores in the retail spaces and a unique feature outside.
"One of the more exciting pieces of the project there's a large outdoor open area and the developer plans to install a 25-foot by 18-foot tall outdoor television screen in the hopes to have Friday night movie nights there and sporting events," Fisher said.
Construction for the start of the project is expected to begin in a year. The goal is to have the project completed and open within the next three years.
