Salisbury officials celebrate growth, announce plans for future development

SALISBURY, Md. — Residents gathered at Salisbury University Thursday night for the city’s State of the City address.

The address focused on economic vitality, community connections, neighborhood investment and modernizing city services. One of the key projects highlighted by Mayor Randy Taylor was the city’s purchase and renovation of an older downtown building that previously housed City Hall.

“One of the first things we did, we had the opportunity to buy City Hall back, which never should have left our ownership in the first place,” Taylor said. “Fortunately, St. Peter’s was gracious enough to sell it back to us, and we were able to purchase it and renovate it.”

City Administrator Nick Rice said supporting local businesses, including Bury Tavern and Brick Row Market, has been an important part of adding value to downtown Salisbury.

Rice said the city also focused on expanding arts and culture opportunities throughout the community.

“Highlight the power of arts and culture to bring people together. These events increase foot traffic, strengthen community ties and support our downtown economy,” Rice said.

Looking ahead, Taylor said Salisbury has more projects on the horizon, including the zoo’s planned Imagination Center.

“The classrooms upstairs — there will hopefully be a virtual zoo. We can do programming, birthday parties right now,” Taylor said. “If 350,000 people go through there with their kids, and you take 150,000 kids, 75,000 kids pay $10, you’re talking three-quarters of a million dollars.”

Taylor said the project is a major opportunity for the zoo to grow and officials hope to break ground soon.

Salisbury City Council President April Jackson said the city’s future remains promising.

“The state of our city is strong, and together we continue building a brighter future for Salisbury,” Jackson said.