Schablein: Economic growth, state funding at risk in Salisbury

In January, I had the opportunity to move into my dream apartment at the Powell Building in Downtown Salisbury.

Having lived and worked in Downtown Salisbury for seven years, I’ve experienced firsthand its role as the vibrant heart of our city, serving as the center of culture and an economic driver.

However, we’re at a critical juncture, with some community and local government members pushing to renege on our city’s commitments and abandon vital projects essential for our city’s prosperity.

The responsibility falls to our City Council and Mayor to uphold our city’s integrity by honoring the commitments made in the city’s 2017 master plan. This plan and the ongoing projects have rejuvenated a once-abandoned Downtown into a vibrant area of opportunity and promise, introducing projects like Unity Square that enhance our quality of life and make Downtown a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

Moreover, this plan has established Salisbury as a key economic driver for Maryland, recognized by the past two governors who have significantly invested in our city. Our progress has impressed our current Governor, Wes Moore, so much that he appointed Mayor Jacob Day, one of the plan’s architects, as the head of Housing and Development for the state.

These investments and confidence are the driving forces behind our city and business successes. Crucially, this plan addresses the housing crisis by increasing housing options in an area where demand outstrips supply. It will generate new income taxes from residents moving into downtown apartments and condominiums, like myself, and create jobs in the retail and support sectors for these projects, as well as in construction.

If the City Council and Mayor backtrack on our commitments, Salisbury risks losing its reputation as a reliable partner, along with potential economic growth and state funding, exacerbating the housing crisis for a long time.

Jared Schablein
Salisbury