Developer of Ross building wants to build new hotel development downtown, but faces challenges getting approved

SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury city officials and Mayor Randy Taylor could face legal action over a downtown project. A developer has sent officials a letter claiming they will pursue litigation if their project is delayed further.

The developer is Mentis Capital Partners and is the company that created Salisbury’s tallest building, ‘The Ross.’ The group plans to build a hotel on Lot 10. Off Route 13 sits the project granted $4 million in 2023.

This money reached the city before Mayor Taylor took office. He informed WMDT that the developers hadn’t completed their due diligence for this project.

“It was a surprise that we got a letter in the mail, which, by the way, the media got notified before us,” he continued. “For the grant money tied to that project, we have not been a beneficiary for any site plan, review, or construction review. And when we tried to put things together, we were having a hard time agreeing what needed to be included for infrastructure costs.”

The company says Mayor Taylor wouldn’t sign the agreement to release the funds. Mentis’ lawyers demand the Mayor sign the agreement no later than May 19th.

Mayor Taylor has stated he wants Salisbury to grow in the near future. “I’m very much for redevelopment of Salisbury, but it has to work. It has to work for the downtown and the developer, and we’re having a hard time aligning those goals at the present time.”

WMDT reached out to the developer – and did not hear back.

The Salisbury City Council President D’Shawn Doughty provided a statement:

“The Salisbury City Council has fully supported the Lot 10 redevelopment project and voted to accept $4 million in state grant funding for its infrastructure improvements.” Adding, “We urge immediate action to honor the ordinance and move this project forward.”