Gillis Gilkerson, Mayor Randy Taylor at odds over downtown development project

SALISBURY, Md. – Downtown development in Salisbury hitting a snag.

Local builder Gillis Gilkerson is working to build a new residential and retail complex downtown, but amid challenges to the project, including a lawsuit from a local realtor.

Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor has decided to halt the project, pending circuit court review.

Developers are alleging that the mayor did so to ultimately end the project completely. In a statement to WMDT Mayor Taylor refuted that, “The allegation that I am using any lawsuit filed against the city to my advantage is blatantly false. It’s my intention to continue to make Salisbury a place people want to visit and call home.”

Brad Gillis disagrees.

“It’s no secret that Randy Taylor has not been in favor of our project, it’s also no secret that he’s publicly stated that he saw these lawsuits coming,” Gillis said. “In regard to our working relationship, we’re treating it like it’s any other development process.”

Gillis said he’s hopeful that they’ll be able to continue to move forward with the project.