Mitchell Landing revitalization a “major success” after months of work and worry
SALISBURY, Md. – A housing complex that was once plagued with mold and other unsafe living conditions has been revamped. And now, it’s ready to welcome new residents. City leaders say it was a hard-fought battle to save Mitchell Landing, and a long time coming.
“This is the best thing that could have ever happened in our community. We need this housing,” said Salisbury City Council member April Jackson (District 1).
Celebrating A New Start
The eight renovated and rehabilitated apartment units were celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday morning.
“(One) unit in particular, we saw last early fall, the walls were completely covered in black mold … We have major moisture issues in the crawl space. Almost all of the floor structures were rotten,” said David Layfield of Green Street Housing.
Sticking With It
Green Street Housing had to send in special forces to deal with the damage done by years of moisture and rot. They ripped out flooring, reinforced walls and replaced crumbling exterior stairways. Through it all, Jackson said she worked to ensure existing residents were a top priority.
“Some of the residents had to leave. I made sure that they found places to stay, and I made sure that the city moved them … The people who were here at the end, I made sure they stayed in here,” Jackson said.
“This is a start.”
Mitchell Landing is in the heart of District 1. Jackson said years of listening to constituents living in crude conditions made this fight personal. And, she said, it’s not over yet. Housing officials are also hoping to rehabilitate and renovate the Village and Mitchell Pond, just across the street.
“Just to renovate and revitalize this area is a start. This is a start,” Jackson said.
Applications Pouring In
The Wicomico Housing Authority is the owner and operator of the complex. Officials said they have already processed dozens of applications and reviews, with more coming in every day.
“(This is a) major success story,” said the Wicomico Housing Authority’s Don Bibb.
Crews are still chipping away at other units in the complex, as well as in the community administration building. The hope is to have work done by July.
