I have reached out in the past and asked readers to share their opinion as to what they think might work for the Downtown Plaza. The response was minimal. However, let's try it again.
Here's what "I" would do and let's see how many Politicians follow my lead?
First of all, you need a MAGNET business to move in there. I'm talking something like, STARBUCKS. Then you need someplace like a Seacrets down there. You need a Barber Shop, old school. How about all of the Recruiting Offices for the Armed Forces. In other words, don't bank on groups of businesses like Antiques. When these businesses die off, they all fail and we've already experienced that. A complete mix of businesses that compliment one and other, not compete with one and other. You want agreements with contracts so they can't open another one within 10 miles from this location. If you want it to work, that's what you're going to have to do.
Now, there are things that must change down there right away. Take out ALL of the brick and flower beds, ponds that don't work anyway and create diagonal parking in front of every location on BOTH sides. NO METERS whatsoever! If you have to use the parking behind the Plaza, have each store validate your parking at no cost. I agree with something Anne Taylor said. We need to have retail on the bottom floors of these buildings, not lawyers, real estate agents and doctors. They should be on the second floor, should they choose to stay and residential on 2nd and 3rd floors.
Once things begin to start hopping down there, a bus service should be made available from the college to the plaza. This would be for several purposes. To supply transportation for employees, shopping in general and or night life. You don't have to have all alcohol establishments to survive. I had a business in Crofton called Happy Days Cafe. Black & white checkered floors, black and white striped awnings inside over the ice cream parlor area, a deli inside, 3, 7 ft pool tables and TV's everywhere. Very reasonable food prices and the place was always steady with business for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. The idea was to recreate the old Arnolds from the Show Happy Days. I had a 1950's style decor and it was very inexpensive to put together. I even had the 1950's style tables and seats, it was really cool. AAAAAAAAH! LOL
You just have to look at the market you have and then cater to it. The college should be a huge draw. You put an ice cream parlor down there where you have inside and outside seating, maybe even another Rita's and watch what happens. It's a home run, I'd even invest into one, seriously.
There's a daytime lunch crowd, big deal. The numbers you take in at lunch really account for next to nothing but maybe breaking even with your Staff, power and supplies, that's it. You MUST bring in an evening crowd to make it work. I know the business, I'm telling you, it's a must. You don't want to compete so much that you put the other Downtown businesses out of business. It would be better to make them a part of your group and support one and other like the old days when America was so great. You know, like when Macy's didn't have something so you sent them to Woolworths instead.
The other thing you need is support from the City. Long term support. Giving away free taxes is a bunch of crap. Only the property owners make out on that deal. Look how GREAT the Mayor's pie in the sky Art District worked. Lots of free press, not ONE person taking advantage of it. Why, because you'd have to BUY the property and own it. Then open your art store and make everything there in order to get a tax credit. Politicians are some pretty stupid people, believe me. They love patting themselves on the back with stupid ideas like this and then go off to another convention next year and come back with yet another stupid one.
The City needs to make a contract with WBOC & WMDT and run constant year round commercials that hit you in the face each and every day. Go Here, come to Riverfest, the Salisbury Zoo, the Ward Museum, the Downtown Plaza, you know the drill.
My earlier article about the Atlantic Hotel needs to take a page from this particular article as well as the Town of Berlin and Ocean City. Communities supporting their own.
Do YOU realize through the Cable Company if you run random ads on TV you should be able to purchase them for around $3.00 an ad! I know, many of you are going to say that's a bunch of crap but it's true. You sign a regular contract with these people and you can buy filler spaces day and night for about $3.00 per additional ad not on your regular schedule.
I used to buy an ESPN Package and run 30 second ads on Redskins Games for around $75.00 an ad. Now granted, that was a deal, should someone drop out of advertising for that particular game but I jumped on it every opportunity they allowed. Television commercials are NOT as bad as some would believe. If the City/County joined forces and bought scheduled ads to market the City & County, if you became a part of this group they could tack you onto their ads and reasonably market these areas and build instant business.
Now, there's other things you have to watch out for. When you get a group of businesses together like this you must have proper security. The SPD would have to police this area and let criminals know if they mess with anyone, they're going down. Any sign of hanging out and the wrong crowd selling drugs and so forth, everyone has to come together and get rid of them instantly. Believe it or not, that can destroy everyone very fast.
You don't want grocery store/pharmacy kind of businesses because let's face it, they won't be able to compete and they'll only have 5 to 9 pm kind of traffic. They'll also take up a ton of parking for short term and get frustrated when they can't find a spot.
Then think about what compliments the daytime businesses throughout the Downtown area. Perhaps a UPS or FedEx Kinko's store? There are thousands of people reading this Blog daily. I'm sure you can come up with many more ideas and make it work. IMHO, I don't believe the current administration ever thought of coming to YOU and asking what YOU want. They go to places like Rockville and come back saying, we want that kind of Library. However, it's not what the Downtown needs. Again, I'm back to the wants verses needs thing again. However, it works.
The Downtown Plaza can work. Pulling ALL of the property owners together would be a good start as well. They must be a part of the discussion because without them we can come up with all of the greatest ideas on earth but if they don't agree, it's useless. Forcing some of the property owners to do something and clearly show they want to sell or rent their space is another problem. Anyhow, good healthy discussion on this post can't hurt anyone. So let's see where this takes us and we'll see just how much the Downtown Plaza means to Salisbury Citizens.
73 comments:
Joe, I agree with your ideas and they are right on, the sad part is this city has spent thousands on the same information to no listening ears. If I was running for Mayor MY platform would be exactly what you stated. We need to open up the plaza completely, What Barry did was absolutely a waste of money and loss of businesses.
Sounds like an awesome plan to me. Me and my girlfriend went to Rita's last summer and then went to walk around downtown and it was a ghost town. While we were walking a couple from out of town drove by and asked us where to get the icecream. I also think that some pubs would be great in that area.
You owned Happy Days?!?! My family loved that place.
A micro-brew pub would be awesome. Something like a Dogfish head....there are tons of people who are into home brewing but don't have the support. Get some local brews and a cute location and away we go!!
A desert shop and a donut shop and even a bagel shop would be great too.
how about bulldozing the plaza down and put a big sign, thank you Mayor Tilghman for all your help. maybe we can put in a new fire station in here!
The downstairs portion of the carriage house (across from City Bistro) was designed to be an ice cream parlor/stand waiting to be opened. The owner knew there was no business around and didn’t open it.
You have to have something to draw people after dark. I love the mirco-brew pub thought. I understand that the sushi restaurant is doing well.
Tearing out the planters has been discussed and fell on deaf ears, getting a micro brewer in plaza (this was offered to a local brewer but he backed out), converting all 2nd and 3rd story places into residential units are a great idea but the existing ones are way too expensive (Dougie boy)why would you rent an apartment for what you can buy a house for. Some other investors and I thought about taking the closed Bank and turning it into a club, but there was no way SU students could access it, and the we knew the locals (thugs) would eventually ruin it so I wasn’t worth it.
They are all great ideas but the key is getting the lazy property owners energized to do something.
These are actually really good ideas. I think the key to all of this is parking. There is no motivation to even go there if there is little parking, and what is available must be paid. Another big thing is encouraging the creation of a new theatre down there. So, after eating at flavors, or wherever, you can stop by for a movie.
Joe is correct, just look at Macy's in New York. How many years have they survived and look at the number of stores that have since opened up around them in the city. If Macy's had moved into the Wicomico Hotel and used every floor there'ws no doubt they would be like a magnet drawing other businesses. That's if the right conditions were meant and they opened up the plaza. I know some will laugh but Joe is right in attracting the one business to draw others.
Joe, I agree with everything you said; its got to be active down there all day and night. I don't think we need a Seacrets per say, but a few small pubs would be cool. I think Flavors has the right idea-a good cheap lunch, nice upscale dinner and a local bar scene through til 2. That works! But you know what? Flavors didn't come all out from the get go-they phased it in. The owner was providing a quality dinner, started promoting more lunch activity and then got into the late night biz. Seems to me like they are doing pretty good for themselves.
I would like to see Salisbury take a page out of Annapolis' book. Obviously Annapolis is a large city, but we could model Salisbury after its West Street Corridor. Those types of business could work for us.
As for funding...the State provides numerous funding opertunities for property owners as well as tenant to remodel store fronts and conduct major and minor rennovations.
I also agree that store fronts should be reserved/dedicated to retail sales-I'm not too sure that will happen, but it should. I don't think that we should get rid of our bricks, but certainly the planters, fountains and busted seating arrangements need to go. And NO METERS! Give the businesses a chance to operate and they will. The economy isn't so bad that a new business can't survive, policies and poor decisions hinder businesses.
I would love to see some more lunch places come into the area-everyday I leave work (in the downtown area) to go get lunch. It kills my lunch time and my budget everyday! I'd rather walk than drive and I'd rather give my money to local businesses than to corporate giants! A bagel shop, a coffee shop (not a starbucks, but a local joint) or a real deli could really spark activity.
This isn't going to happen over night. One step at a time-let's get the daytime activity back and then work on the evenings. Let's support and encourage the existing local businesses and property owners. There are several businesses and property owners downtown that are really trying to make it happen. I don't think we should critize those people who have invested and tried to make improvements to the area (Like ANON 2:42 did to Doug-he has provided space to the only two surviving places to eat on the plaza) because it is a huge expense and risk. We should support people to purchase property and live in the area by providing tax incentives or even simple patronage. It shouldn't be this hard.
The way to keep out the thugs of a establishment is to make it a private club with a $10 annual fee. This would give you a way to track the people that you have kicked out and keep the place nice. I can't believe places in town haven't done this yet. It is a common practice in the city.
I agree with everything you've said and most of the commentors. I'd also point out that we need to evict everyone from fitzwater back to the police station. Emminent domain needs to be invoked in that area. It's a shame that one of the nicest areas of Salisbury is a dump. You could easily install luxury apartments in that area and renovate the row houses by the water on fitzwater. Of course this is UN-PC, but with no housing, the parasites would be forced to leave Salisbury. *** I'm Black, so please don't play the racist card with me***. However, you'd also need to clean up the river, and do a little landscaping around the river(adding hardy plams would give it a nice southern touch). If these things were done, it would encourage individuals to buy into those condos, and add a new populace close to the downtown.
And of course, the big thing, would be to move Perdue (somewhere like Hebron), and truly convert the whole area into a shopping plaza. Of course, that will never happen.
Anon 259 once Fitzwater St is taken via eminent domain what would you have them do with all of the people living on the side streets? Evict them as well? Steal their homes as well? Where would you have them live? Would you create a new area for them to live in? You might want to look into who it is that owns those rowhouses on Fitzwater St there you will find the answer as to why they were allowed to be let go into the condition they are now in.
3:08
Who does own those rowhouses? I'm sure it's public information, but I don't know where to look.
Revitalization of Downtown Salisbury requires multitude of partnerships from the City, University, and Businesses.
The City needs to make a major effort to provide visible 24 hour security i.e. police substation, police call boxes (blue lights on college campuses), 24 hour foot patrol, and cameras. People need to know their secure if they want to be in an environment.
Promotion of nightlife encouraging selection of business that operates passed 5:00 pm. Antiques shops, law offices, is not going to bring people out. Encourage retailers to remain open passed 5:00
People enjoy being outside and allowed to drink, open containers should be allowed in designated areas of the plaza with well defined ordinances i.e. no outside beverages, strict littering fines, no sale of glass products.
Outdoor venues for music or farmers markets, i.e. the area where the old movie theater was.
Area for children’s play would bring families out
Partnership with SU to provide trolley service to and from the downtown
Lighting up downtown, the downtown should be heavily lighted including trees and bushes, string lights from building to building. Lighting increases safety and makes a place more inviting. Lighting can also be engineered to not have adverse effects on residents of the apartments above the commercial.
Bring the whole downtown and riverfront together. The current plaza has a blinder effect you can only see what’s in front of you. A wayfinding signage system should be implemented including gateways and paths to other areas of Town i.e. zoo, hotel, park, hospital, library, riverfront. Also wayfinding can direct people to parking
Parking is a major issue people do not want to be ticketed or have to find parking. Parking should be free after 5:00 (it may be I do not know) and lots should not be restricted. Lots should be heavily lighted with a security presence. In addition directional signs i.e. wayfinding should be present.
The old feldmans building would make for a great mixed use property with student housing, retail, restaurants and mixed use. Revitalizing that building could be a major piece to turning the downtown around. The City should investigate a partnership with the state, the university and businesses to properly develop that building.
It all has to start with the parking. The two hour free parking is the right idea, but parking on the plaza makes so much more sense. Better lighting would help too. My wife and I love going to Kenpai rest. and than stroll thru the downtown plaza afterwards.
Anon 3:08,
Good questions. Under emminent domain, the government is entitled to invoke emminent domain of private property if it will be used for public use with just compensation. Salisbury can argue the downtown will be used by the public, which leaves just compensation. The government is only required to offer that which is the current home value. Considering the economy is bad, home prices are down, it would be pretty cheap to offer these individuals their home value. If they don't accept it, tough (that's the law and the Supreme Court allowed for it four years ago). Hopefully, they'd accept, but if they don't, they would have no legal avenue as the S.CT. and Bush's 2006 executive order pretty much kill any remedy.
It's big government, but in some cases, it's necessary.
-anon 2:59
Dad gum it Joe you're gettin as verbose as MSWARTZ.
Just kiddin man. Good ideas. Let it flow.
I remember when JC Penney's was in back of where the Perdue plant
was and there was a grocer across the street. In my opinion the Perdue plant has made improvements to their appearance and lets remember there are many people that work there are able to walk to work. They are considered by many as a good neighbor.
How long have we been saying that the downtown needs to be re-opened? I have been here since 1950 and remember so well the downtown of yesteryear. Buildiing the (old) mall killed it . By the way, 2:16, "Barry" did not kill downtown; don't blame her for everything! The downtown was closed off in the late 60's or early 70's to try to compete with the Salisbury Mall. Of course, that never happened.
How many of you have been to the Avenue near White Marsh Mall in Balto. Co.? There are stores on both sides with diagonal parking. There is also a large parking area behind the stores for those who aren't lucky enough to get a diagonal place. There is a wonderful mix of restaurants, Barnes and Noble, etc. Why can't this be done downtown?
I really believe "Build it and they will come." Cumberland in Allegheny Co. has revitalized its downtown with great success. Instead of lots of talking and committees, action should be taken ASAP.
Get the vehicles out of there and restore the Downtown Plaza to what Pete Cooper planned and build and Barrie has trashed with traffic and has now almost ruined!
And then reoppen the "Saddle Club" and bring back Ms. Gertrude! And what about Watson's Smoke House, with Bobby, and Doc. Kaminetz, too!
And then how about restoring Ike as President and Tricky Dick as his Veep!
Overall, the City needs a theme to build on. Annapolis has the mystic of their harbor. Baltimore did the same thing. Transportation (shuttle system) would be a key element but it needs to be part of the overall theme. Ocean City has a bunch of buses that look like trollies (just like Annapolis). They get little use because that town doesn't have a theme to which they add any value. OC is simply disjointed and, as far as I'm aware, had nothing to do with Seacrets' success. If Salisbury could pick up a few of OC's underutilized trollies, give the drivers Hawaiian shirts to wear, and charge a reasonable fare (not so cheap that it attracts the homeless), that could work. Above all, keep everything clean and safe looking if you want people with money to spend visiting. I would suggest that the city investigate having the University run the Trollies around town as well as provide a shuttle from their campus to downtown.
-Former OC bus driver
anon 3:08- quit your liberal bleeding heart crying. anon 259 is right. tear down that part of the ghetto. those houses are crap and probalbly not fit to live in. that could be such a nice area of the city to live in being close to the river. most of the people in those houses are living off of yours and my tax dollars anyways. theres plenty of other places they could go. and dont blame the landlords either....when people have their rent paid for by hard working people, they usually dont care about nor take care of what they have. its like that in way too many places in this city. so again, quit your crying and let them live with you.
Anon 311 4 of those row houses are owned by GNI properties (Terry Sell) Hebrew owns one, Major Richardson owns another. All slumlords allowed to get away with non compliance.
Anon 350 I didn't say anything in disagreement with the plan for Fitzwater St. I asked about the residents on the side streets. My heart bleeds for no one, not even you.
Public info for the row houses
http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/rp_rewrite/details.aspx?AccountNumber=09%20041214%20%20%20%20%20%20%20&County=23&SearchType=STREET
Find a place to put an outdoor ice skating rink downtown and watch the restaurants and shops blossom.
In the summer use it for small concerts and fairs.
Anon 4:00 Thank you. How did I forget the king of all slumlords, the great attorney Robert Cannon.
Needs to have a central draw. What, I can't answer, but it has to generate a persistent desire in people to be there. All the things talked about here are nice, but people want "to do" or "to see" something. It takes events and doings to bring em out. All the other business would then thrive with the traffic. Come up with this and the rest will take care of itself. Lots of good things around, but they're spread out and not central to downtown, ...Shorebirds, Pemberton Park, Ward Museum, Civic center, etal, Too bad some of things weren't put downtown, although I understand space is limited.
yeah that sounds like a good idea. In this economic depression were in, I wont have to walk too far from the reservation to roll some new unsuspecting victims. Bring it!!! Lord knows theres no city cops down in that area.
Dump tons of money into revitalizing the "North Prong" and that will make it all better - NOT.
Do you want to know what the REAL PROBLEM is???
None of the people in charge have ventured from Salisbury; all are born and raised. All the great ideas that were mentioned came from DC, Baltimore.... Annapolis.... NoVa.. New York.. Philly..
Do you get it now? Do you? Put people in charge that came from nicer areas. They have seen it work and have the vision that goes along with it.
Don't knock the "downtown lunch crowd" -- they are the only customers in that area and will be for the forseeable future.
I got it!!! If you get a unique restaurant like The Melting Pot to come to Salisbury it would be a huge hit. Man I love that place. There is no place on the shore like it.
http://www.meltingpot.com/
Since the downtown owners are not willing to have a special tax district -- they want the rest of us to provide a "bail-out" -- let them ask Obama for one.
And be sure to tell him that the mayor supported Hillary.
4:03 -
Don't forget Brother Johnny, our next County Exec.
How about getting Bubba & Barrie to do break-dancing on the Plaza at noon every day (except Sunday, of course)?
4:35 --
And tell the Obamanation that the entire Shore went for McCain so we deserve really big bail-out bucks, right Bubba.(NOT).
Stick a fork in it its dead.
They need to open country and primitive shops just like in PA. Also buggy rides for the kids and a miniture train running around the plaza at the top of coarse. A pretzel shop, a candle shop etc. We women make a trip to PA at least 4 times a year because there are few shops like those in PA. The plaza would be the perfect place for shopping. A few more restaurants, bring the Peaceful Heart back ( Come on Rodney).Trust me..it would stay busy all year. Imagine what the business's would bring in around the holidays.
Good thoughts by almost all. One major factor towards security: If you make it all business and have no residential occupants, then after 5 it would be mayhem, so keeping the residents there would provide some crime watch. It's really a small square footage to assign a couple of officers there(walking or bike patrol...horses are cool).
I do wonder about lawyers on the second floor not being ADA compliant, but a meeting room shared by all on the first floor would solve that.
The money generated by taxes would pay tenfold for the parking meters without having to employ a meter collector.
I do remember the story of the micro brewery that wanted to open in the Adkins railroad station, but had to move to Delmar because of the impact fee. Maybe the fee should be revisited, or he could sell his wares on the plaza as well.
All in all, good ideas! Keep them coming, folks, and maybe we'll have something to bring to the NEW City Council!
Look at Silver Spring in Montgommery County, and use emminent domain...screw the land lords who want the area to rot!
Rather than another Seacrets style place, I would like to see a venue like The Recher Theatre or State Theatre in Va outside of DC.
Bring in bands, comedians, and it can be used for catered parties events. Lot of these smaller venues are versitile.
Appeal would be for everyone and is not seasonal. The hotels might be able to pick up some more business and such.
Night life would open the doors for a few late night eateries such as subs, pizza, gyros. At Eastern Costal Carolina U everyone of age would go to downtown and after last call line up all down the block for Gyros. Those guys make a killing every night!
I also like the idea of the Ice rink, if only it would be cold enough all the time.
Brew Pub, definitely. Even Kent Island got a Fordham restaurant, Rams Head.
OK, look, there's no flat spot on the Plaza for an Ice Skating Rink, so that one needs to go away for now. Not that I don't like the idea bit it's uphill to WMDT and downhill to 300 W. Main at the end of the Plaza.
I wonder how many of these ideas Comegys will steal from the Blog and claim it was his idea? Has anyone been to his Website latgely? He's stealing every single Debbie Campbell idea as well as every Jim Ireton Idea. This guy has NO thoughts or ideas of his own. He even stole every one's slogans. Unbelievable. I hope everfyone recognizes this for down the road. I think we should use Gary Comegys as if he were Barrie Tilghman and show the Mayor just what kind of voting results she would have gotten if she chose to run.
Remember Folks, I said this would be a record turn out for voters, watch what happens.
Getting back tgo these ideas, WOSW! I love it when everyone agrees with me. No seriously though, we're onto something but there has to be some more ideas, let's not let this die.
A shuttle from the Parking Lot would be an added plus too. This way you wouldn't have to get a spot right in front of the stores. Say something like every 10 minutes? The trolly is a great idea, I like that. I do disagree with one comment stating we shouldn't tear out all the planter areas. It must be done to create parking throughout and parking there is an absolute must.
We're getting there and all of my ideas can't be all of the answers. Come on now, keep the coming.
NO bars! Only alcohol with dinner in a nice steakhouse. Dunkin Donuts will do Joe, we can't afford starbucks. Funnel Cakes, Ice Cream Shop, Handmade primitive furniture, Just Fireplaces, Flower Shop, Outlet Stores, Nike, Jockey,White House Black Market, Liz Claiborne, Kitchen Store, PIZZA! Move Flavor of Italy right smack in the middle (Great Food)
I dont know how long you have been here Joe , but there used to be a coffee shop on the plaza that had accustic singers and a really mellow crowd, it was where I had my first iced coffee and espresso. they sold fresh espresso cakes and other light fare sandwiches but yet there was not enough business to warrent the cost to stay open.
The best part of that coffee house was how it wasnt packed with a crowd. There was chess boards available and cubby boothes for students to study as well poem readings. A very nice atmostphere yet it was to costly to remain open.
What is needed is a few people who care about Salisbury downtown that have so much money they would operate a bussiness with out worrying about making a profit. A tax right off so to speak. But I have relized there is not enough people or room to actually turn a profit. Parking wasnt a problem and location was great , I dont remember who owned it but that it really was nice.
Maybe you have a few hundred thousand that you could use to make yourself look larger than you are and invest in a nice mellow shop.I just remember I think it was called the beannery, but Im not sure. Any way the area of Salisbury and the pay scale as well as the police busts on drinking and driving sortta ruin this area from being anything but a seasonal fair ground.
The only rational thing to do would be bull doze the entire block and place a huge parking area for when the fair comes back next year. Think realisticly and know that this is slowberry not New York City.
I'd like to see an old time bakery with all the different breads, rolls, cream puffs, etc.
anonymous 6:08,
I don't understand why so many are concerned about the moment. A good business person LOVES when the economy hits rock bottom because it can only go up. Now is the time for the planning stages. No one is suggesting the City dump millions of dollars right now into the Downtown Plaza. However, when the timing is better and right, presenting a fantastic plan with so many great minds behind it IS the right thing to do.
You see, so many of you are spoiled with, I know, let's build a $14,000,000.00 Fire House, then you do it! That's just wrong! Nobody I have ever known has ever done the pay as you build plan, costing 40 to 50% more than traditional build outs. This Mayor, Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields, Mike Dunn, Lynn Cathcart, Chief See & Gordy have screwed the Taxpayer like there's no tomorrow. Three of which declaired BANKRUPTCY!!!!!!!!
So look, it's not my job to front this idea financially. ALL of the people invested into the Downtown Plaza will financially make out well once things turn around. I am one of those people who already put up more than $350,000.00 CASH into a building on the Downtown Plaza, 300 W. Main Street to be exact. So when you ask me to front $300k, I've already done that.
Next.
How about bringing Hooters to the plaza...???
I'll say it once. Joe: you could not be more right. This is it. This is what has to happen. BUT. All of the folks who are anti-growth have to recognize that investment IN our town is the antithesis to investment OUTSIDE our town. In other words, don't complain when you see big projects being built downtown. Support them (so long as they adhere to good urban design principles - ie. no parking lots and setback buildings). The more we sprawl, the quicker Salisbury dies. Support ideas like this. It's our only and best hope.
I also agree with alot of the offerings in this post. The Down Town area would benifit from an atmosphere of night life and fun. I have visited other cities with a "River Walk" area, and they were all very active with eating, music even a comedy club afer dark. The hotel along the river could invest in entertainment and small "pub" style business could thrive too. Its about time our city invest in the comunity, all I've heard them do is talk about it. What ever happened to the "Master Plan" in development of the area?
Two way traffic and the elimination of the plaza as a "plaza" is one of the only ways to generate volume and to market the retail establishments and businesses. The current motif has been unproductive for at least 30 years. Has anyone driven through EASTON lately? Their typical downtown sure seems to work for them.
Joe, Increased traffic results in real and a perceived sense of security
Barrie would look good in a Hooters uniform...NOT!
Now, the women of SU would do just fine!
Anon 3:25 I think you have your dates confused. I clothed my 30 year old daughter (born 5/78) at Ladd & Lassies on the Downtown Plaza and got her fitted for her Stride Rite shoes there too. Ladd & Lassies was the only store that carried Carters, then i would hope over to Hess Apparel and shop for me. After a long day of shopping downtown we would slip into Woolworth and get lunch and a milk shake! Cathy
Add a dinner theatre to the mix. Integrate the marina (which will have to be cleaned up and supplied with fuel). Market the marina and have regular weekend events involving boat shows, craft shows, etc. Connect the marina with the plaza via a shuttle (that resembles an old fashioned trolly) that runs the route every twenty minutes. Oh yea - stop dumping poop into the river. Re-zone the Fitzwater St. row homes to encourage property owners to open antique shops, etc. Worried about the smell of Perdue? Don'y worry. It won't be long until they will head for the Carolina's.
Political Will.A Plan. An energetic committee; Strong Economic Development Initiatives, Chamber of Commerce Involvement. Business Incentives and involvement. Money. Citizen Leadership and Good Public Relations and Advertizing.Some advise and help from the planners of progressive cities, like Frederick, Elicott City, New Market,New Castle DE., to name a few. Political Will.
7:40 leave the local chamber of commerce out of the mix. They are in bed with the likes of Tilghman and Comegys. This chamber is two steps from being a joke.
1 - close the failed arts institute and use the space for a restaurant FACING the parking lot.
2 - put in a whole foods or trader joe's somewhere down there - it will draw college students and locals alike
3 - improve the parking
4 - lower the rent
I think we should forget the downtown plaza. Cities across the nation have done exactly what has happened in Salisbury, allowed unbridled growth outside the city and then wonder why the center dies. I have been here since 1973 and we have revisited this discussion periodically, it is a waste of time, money, and energy. My family comes from Plattsburg,NY, exactly the same thing happened there starting in the 1960's, the center of town is just like Salisbury. LJG
I pass by Main Street just about everyday, sadly, all I seem to focus on is the deterioriated movie theater. Is this building functioning, or setting there rotting. Who owns this building and any idea why its in the condtion its in.
melting pot is over rated, overpriced.
we used to do that at home a million years ago. more bang for the buck there.
how about a bakery?
penny's was where the health dept. is. not down by perdue's
It is amazing how Rita's draws people, it is a good location however at times it looks like Thrasher's out there. Downtown needs a few businesses like that.
Rita's could go year round, gourmet ice smoothie coffee's and hot gourmet coffee, hot chocolate and hot teas in the winter. Downtown they could offer seating and light fare foods.
Penney's original store back in the late 50's was across from Brew River after which they moved to the Main Street location (Health Dept)
I think a dry cleaners that does alterations would be ideal. People could drop off their laundry in the AM & pick it up after work. Fells Point in Baltimore is a prime example of what one can do with a conjested area with no parking. People walk for blocks to go to the trendy shops, restaurants, bars, etc.
Hey I have done the Fells Point crawl more than once. The Horse You Came In On. A tribute to our mare.
9:34 is correct about Penney's. The building still stands. It is a Perdue office building and is painted white.
I like most of your ideas. I have a problem with taking out the brick. If you was sitting outside the resturante eating a nice meal I would also like something nice to look at.
Joe, I love your passion. I would also love to see this post brought back to the top of the page at times, so that we can keep the ideas rolling!
Thanks so much for your time and efforts,
Adam C Stanley
WOW! I was searching on the interweb for "Smack/Salisbury mall murder" and this popped up! Almost 11 years ago. Evidently, the politicians took your lead!
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