RECENT HISTORY OF THE SALISBURY MALL, ETC. (from public records)

Nov., 1997 - Current owner purchased the Salisbury Mall (then about 50% vacant) and the vacant land between the mall and Beaglin Park Drive – total of 81 acres for $4,060,000.

Various Times - Current owner announces plans to revamp the mall (1997-1999) as a“village center” and develop the vacant land for residential usage.

Jan., 1999 - Homeowners on east side of Beaglin Park Drive (“Sun-Ayr subdivision”) agree to modify restrictions on use of vacant land to allow for the “St. Albans Commons” plan (discussed below)

March, 1999 - Salisbury City Council approves rezoning of the vacant land as the St Albans Commons PRD (after review and recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission). As approved there would be 243 residential units and commercial frontage (“pads”) along Mt. Hermon Road and Glen Avenue.

Oct., 1999 - Current owner sells the land on Mt. Hermon Road later developed as Eckerd Drugs (2 acres) for $600,000.

April, 2000 - Article by current City Council President Mike Dunn published in Metropolitan Magazine about the Salisbury Mall (“Our Very Own White Elephant”) stating that it is a “dilapidated building” that should be torn down.

Oct., 2001 - Jury verdict of $320,734 entered against current mall owner in lawsuit by the operator of the former grocery store located there (“Food Depot”) for damages due to leaky roof, etc. as a result of lack of maintenance.

Dec., 2001 - Year end store closing leaves mall about 90% vacant

Aug., 2002 - Current owner sells the land on Mt. Hermon Road later developed as Hebron Savings Bank (1.3 acres) for $600,000.

June, 2004 - City Council passes TIF Resolution (No. 1119) for $13.8 Million in future real estate taxes to fund owner’s costs

Nov., 2004 - Mall is now completely vacant & closed to public

June, 2005 - Current owner files application for rezoning the Salisbury Mall and vacant portion of St.Albans Commons PRD as a “PDD”

July, 2005 - City issues condemnation order on the mall building

July, 2005 - County Council approves TIF – later negotiated with owner for approximately $6 Million

Jan., 2006 - Salisbury City Council rezones the Salisbury Mall and vacant portion of St. Albans Commons PRD (all except the frontage on Mt. Hermon Road) as a “PDD” after review and recommendation by Planning & Zoning Commission.

Feb., 2006 - Local residents file appeal from “PDD” rezoning in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County

April, 2006 - Fire Chief (David See) and Fire Marshall (Edw. Torbert) advise the Mayor’s office of the safety risk due to conditions at the mall building

July, 2006 - City issues order for demolition of the mall building with six months ( by early Jan. 2007)

July, 2006 - Current owner files application for rezoning the Salisbury Mall and vacant portion of St. Albans Commons PRD as a new PRD

Sept., 2006 - Circuit Court for Wicomico County rules that the “PDD” rezoning made by the Salisbury City Council in January, 2006 was unlawful and reverses that action

Sept., 2006 - Current owner files revised application to include the bank and store fronting on Mt. Hermon Road in the new PRD

Oct., 2006 - Mayor Tilghman holds press conference and announces (with four City Council members present) that the City regards the owners’ proposed PRD plan "unacceptable".