SALISBURY, Md.- There are big plans to build on the downtown parking lot located at the corner of Route 13 and Church Street where the weekend flea market is held.
Close to 100 vendors buy and sell items at the Park & Flea market. The lot is catching the eye of some big developers that want to change the property into commercial and residential mixed use. Salisbury City Mayor Jake Day told WBOC the city has received many unsolicited proposals for the property.
Vendors like Anita Austin has sold clothes and other items at the flea market for nearly 15 years. She said the flea market is a unique staple in the community.
"You find stuff that you can't find in a regular store," Austin said.
"Park And Flea" Market manager Michael Day favors developing the land.
"It is an economic engine for downtown, but if they want to close this parking lot and put up a building that's fine with us," Day said.
Mayor Day said the process to develop the property will take several years and when the time comes the city will have a plan for the flea market.
Michael Day said he's good with a move, but it will only be to another downtown location. Day said the flea market is a vital economic driver downtown, drawing thousands of people to spend money in the area every Saturday and Sunday.
Mayor Day said when the process moves forward, the city will ensure the development of the property will fall in line with the Downtown Main Street Master Plan.
