SALISBURY, Md.- Some neighbors in Salisbury are not sold on a $4 million grant the city accepted for its project at lot 10.
The city is looking to transform lot 10 into a convention center, hotel, apartments and a shopping center. For years the city says it’s been working to secure a state grant for the project. Delegate Carl Anderton says this was an important project for his colleagues in Annapolis to approve.
"Most thriving metropolitan areas have conference centers, convention center so they can host events that bring in economic dollars," said Anderton.
Anderton and Salisbury City Administrator Andy Kitzrow say since this grant was approved by the state delegation for the lot 10 project, the money cannot be used elsewhere. But some neighbors who spoke out during public comment say there are issues the city should be spending their money on.
"Why then should 4 million dollars in infrastructure grant fund to the city be used to benefit a private developer over a multitude of city infrastructure needs," said one Salisbury resident.
"As I work in infrastructure, and 4 million dollars going for infrastructure, I need to hear something being said about the lead & copper rule revision and what you guys are going to do about that. How that is affecting the health of our citizens," said another Salisbury resident.
Kitzrow says this spending is a done deal.
"There is not really an opportunity to divert it towards different infrastructure projects because this is what we asked for and this is what they funded," said Kitzrow.
Kitzrow said the city welcomes all public comment and input, certainly on any developing projects.