Downtown Salisbury roundabout named in honor of Greg Bassett

SALISBURY, Md. – A beloved community member who died in 2023 was honored by Salisbury leaders Monday afternoon.

The City of Salisbury, in partnership with the Greater Salisbury Committee, named the downtown traffic circle after Greg Bassett. During the ceremony, friends, colleagues, and family members gathered to celebrate Bassett’s legacy.

A cherished member of the community, Bassett was the founding editor of the Salisbury Independent and former editor of The Daily Times. In 1987, Bassett began working for The Daily Times as a reporter. He eventually climbed to the role of executive director before leaving Gannett in 2013. In 2014, Bassett launched The Independent for INI.

His daughter, Annie Bassett, remembered her father as humble and hardworking.

“I can honestly say that both my dad and I never would have expected this to happen … He made an amazing impact, but sometimes couldn’t necessarily see what he was doing. It’s beautiful that we can recognize this now and have this forever in his legacy,” Annie said.

Adding that although the tribute was fitting, Annie said Basset would likely have been reluctant to have a monument named in his honor.

“He would be so embarrassed, and actually be very upset with all of us for doing this. But honestly, this is my last little gift for him. I’ll let him be a little embarrassed. It’s okay,” Annie said with a laugh.

Longtime friend and colleague of Bassett’s, staff reporter for Coastal Point, Susan Canfora, said the roundabout’s renaming was quite the honor, but agreed with Annie.

“I know if he were here, he’d make a self-deprecating joke about the esteemed leaders of Salisbury obviously running out of designés… He was the master of deflecting praise, but he certainly deserves this,” Canfora stated.

Meeting in 1986 and joining forces at The Independent in 2014, the pair would share decades of memories and deadlines.

“”His heart was deeply rooted in Salisbury and in making sure the Salisbury Independent kept its residents well informed. Think of him when you’re driving in this area. Look heavenward and wink. I’m sure he’s watching,” Canfora said.