Special exception request denied for downtown Salisbury project, business owners weigh in

SALISBURY, Md. –  “We’ve gone to meetings, spoken out, and weren’t actually heard. Last night we were heard,” Worthington said.

Thursday, the Salisbury Board of Appeals denied a special exception request by Salisbury Town Center Apartments LLC for the approval to build a new apartment complex on parking lots downtown. “Lot 15 being eliminated would have us having no direct parking for the people that patronize my business as well as live here,” Worthington said.

Even though the lot has technically already been sold, Downtown Realtor Holly Worthington said the plans would have put an even bigger pinch on parking.

She explained that the request was for twice the normal density amount allowed in the central business district, which she said their attorney found would be a violation of state law. “It looked like they were trying to get about 93 units per acre to get this special exception. Our zoning would only allot for 40 per acre,” she said.

A requirement of the deal that the City of Salisbury made with the developer was the construction of a parking garage near the new apartment complex.

City officials say it’s now up to the developer to decide if they want to scale down the project or appeal the decision.

The City of Salisbury issued us the following statement from City Administrator Andy Kitsrow:  

“The City of Salisbury is committed to the redevelopment of Downtown Salisbury and will continue to explore all options to move development projects forward.”

We spoke with Bradley Gillis, who represents the developer locally, who said they’re disappointed in the decision but are now accessing their options at this time.

Gillis added that they’re still awaiting written receipt of the denial which he says the board has five days to issue.

Realtor Holly Worthington is calling this week’s decision a small win in the bigger picture of downtown development.

She also has concerns about a lack of parking overall following the demolition of one lot to build Unity Square.