SALISBURY'S PARKING PREDICAMENT SOLVING THE DOWNTOWN DILEMMA

Salisbury, MD - In the heart of Salisbury, a vibrant downtown pulses with the promise of growth and revitalization. Yet, beneath the surface of excitement lies a pressing concern that affects residents, business owners, and commuters alike-parking, or what most think is a lack thereof.

Downtown Salisbury's bustling streets and historic charm attract many visitors, but parking challenges are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

In recent Salisbury City Council meetings, we have heard from those who are for and those who are against more efforts to revitalize downtown Salisbury. Many feel this is not a good idea, at least until the parking issue is resolved.

Understanding the Downtown Salisbury Parking Issue

Parking in Downtown Salisbury has become a significant concern, prompting discussions and debates among city leaders, residents, and business owners. With a mix of rising residential, commercial, and cultural developments, the demand for parking spaces is outpacing supply.

In 2018, then-Salisbury Mayor Jake Day made a text amendment removing the City's requirement for a specific amount of parking in the Central Business District of Salisbury.

Link To: 2018 Ordinance #2506

The growing interest in developing downtown Salisbury has led to the sale of large parking lots, significantly reducing the available surface parking space. This change is intended to make way for new developments, but it also brings with it the challenge of accommodating the growing number of residents and visitors.

The result? A pressing need to reassess the approach to downtown parking and explore strategies to address this challenge head-on.

What is at the forefront is developers wishing to increase Salisbury's density. The current density code for the City is 40 units per acre, and developers are attempting to increase this to upwards of 80 units per acre.

In November 2023, one year ago, the Salisbury Zoning Board of Appeals denied the requested Special Exception to increase the inherent density of 40 units per acre to 77 units per acre.  

The request was then appealed to the Circuit Court of Wicomico County, where Judge Newton Jackson confirmed the zoning board's opinion and threw out the case.  

The Impact of Inadequate Commuter Parking Solutions

For Salisbury residents, local business owners, and commuters, finding convenient parking is more than a matter of convenience; it's a necessity. The lack of adequate commuter parking solutions can lead to increased frustration, decreased foot traffic for local businesses, and a less appealing downtown experience overall.

The ripple effect of insufficient parking extends beyond inconvenience; it affects the City's economic vitality.

When visitors struggle to find parking, they may take their business elsewhere, impacting local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Business owners, already committed to contributing to the community, need help attracting and retaining customers who are deterred by the difficulties of finding parking.

For commuters, the lack of accessible parking options poses a barrier to seamless travel between work, home, and leisure activities. I can tell you from experience that parking has always been an issue when I travel to Salisbury for Wicomico County Council meetings.

It becomes an egregious headache, and at times, I haven't attended council meetings in person because I didn't want to have to tackle downtown parking.

The Need for Comprehensive Parking Solutions

Addressing the parking challenges in Downtown Salisbury requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. It's not enough to rely solely on piecemeal solutions; we need a holistic strategy that considers the needs of all stakeholders. This includes residents, business owners, commuters, and visitors who contribute to the vitality of our downtown area.

Collaboration between city officials, developers, and community members is essential to creating a plan that addresses current challenges while accommodating future growth.

Community engagement is also critical to solving Salisbury's parking challenges effectively. Residents, business owners, and local organizations can provide valuable insights and perspectives that inform decision-making processes.

Local Real Estate Broker Holly Worthington has started a petition to oppose a developer's request to "allow residential development in the City's "Central Business District" (CBD) at the density rate of 80 units per acre."

That petition, which can be found below, articulates the reasons why Mrs. Worthington opposes the increase in development in the City of Salisbury's Central Business District without on-site parking.

Petition Link: Don't Strangle Downtown Salisbury

Charting a Path Forward

In the face of change, Salisbury has an opportunity to shape its future in a way that preserves its unique character while accommodating growth. Unfortunately, developing the area and increasing its population before making sure the area can handle the traffic and parking would be catastrophic for many reasons.  

By addressing parking challenges head-on before the development, we can ensure that downtown remains a welcoming and thriving destination for all and, most of all, sustainable for local businesses in the downtown Salisbury area.