Here's the problem though. For the past two decades we have watched the Downtown fall into disrepair and your leadership did very little to truly bring it back to life. I stated years ago that the intent was to drive down property values and soon enough those special interests would start buying up and or investing Downtown and guess what, it's now happening.
The word on the street is that the Tilghman Family is allegedly investing with Randy Taylor, (Parker Place) and together they will open a restaurant there. It is also out there that Kevin and Kris Adams are purchasing the old Shore Bank building and opening a Bar/Restaurant there. Bob Culver is interested in the corner building Seth Mitchell is in on the north west corner of Main Street and Division Street. He wants to open a Wine Bar.
As I placed my building up for sale there has been quite an interest in the property except the people interested in it want to lease it and open a Bar/Restaurant in there as well. Here's the catch. They only want to offer $1,500.00 a month in rent.
I can tell you when I was in the Bar/Restaurant business in Crofton I had similar sized space and was paying $7,000.00 a month in rent. Mind you, we ALL know the difference in the economy, there vs here. However, the idea and intent was that IF you were going to get into the business it meant you had to work hard every day and MAKE it work. Here, it's all about driving down the value and giving away space, all of which I refuse to participate in.
While I am in support of revitalizing Downtown, a serious road map needs to be in place first. We watch people open one business Downtown and the next thing we know two more are closing. Like it or not, locals refuse to support the Downtown concept and or businesses, unless it's a 3rd Friday event and so forth. One day a month won't cut it.
As we quietly see deals happening there's also the old Fire Station recently sold that will turn into a Live Music Rock & Roll Bar. I'm told the old Feldman's wants to have a Bar/Restaurant in that building as well. The big question is, will they all survive? Is there enough money in the local economy to support all of these Bar/Restaurants?
While it may seem far fetched, I believe there is. If it's done properly there could be room for everyone. However, will the Mayor tell the public what's really going on? You certainly haven't heard in your local main stream media that there's something in the works. The marketing of such a Party Block in Downtown Salisbury will need to cater to the College crowd and a major increase in Police presence. My plan showed how the City can afford to provide such protection, yet the Mayor is not even telling you what is in the works.
I wasn't afraid to call it a project similar to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. I suggested the Plaza be closed down on Friday and Saturday night. I proposed a cover charge to get in and create gates with an archway similar to the BOARDWALK arch in Ocean City with gates underneath. "The Plaza".
Attempting to bring the Plaza back to retail similar to the picture above will never work. Many have said tear all the buildings down and start over, not possible. Since very few people even come Downtown any more, I truly believe this is the only option left to revitalize at least the Plaza for now. It can expand in time towards Feldman's, then Market Street and all the way back to Rt. 13 over time. Of course having small retail shops along the way would be great and I always stated back when I was running, this was the only way to increase property value. You need to create a DEMAND. The supply will become so limited the value of property will skyrocket, IF it's marketed properly.
Obviously SOME people were listening. However, it is very important your Mayor start telling you the TRUTH about what is going on Downtown. The goal is to create a Party Block, period.
Mayor Ireton, clearly I support the idea because I created it. However, you better be very careful about how you go about it because if you don't, it will fail.
We need investors who are willing to spend the right kind of money for space and NOT give it away. Sure, an initial incentive for rent is a good start but giving away space at $1,500.00 a month and half assed investments into remodeling space will quickly fail or become a very serious liability on law enforcement.
Nevertheless, Downtown is about to change. To some it may look great that people are investing and interested. I'm simply saying it needs to be well designed. The public needs to be aware of what is about to happen and NOT let it all come about under the table.
In a selfish plug, my building is up for sale for $400,000.00. The apartments alone can carry the mortgage and guess what, to the right buyer I'm willing to hold the note on the building. If it doesn't sell, well, maybe I'll consider opening a business called Sin-A-GoGo Dance Club.
45 comments:
Synagogue - Sinagogo. Very creative.
I'm all for revitalizing downtown. But it has to be done with private money. When the market determines risk and reward, most of the time everybody wins. Investors know they have to work harder because their butts are on the line. But when public money is involved, the many subsidize bad decisions to aggrandize the politically connected few.
Special interest is right. All friends of Ireton. I'd bet youd see each one of them on his campaign contribution list.
I'll go Downtown when parking is free. Until then, there's the rest of the city I can go to.
The first step is to replace most of the governing body with officials that serve the public interest - instead of the interest of some of the public.
Keep the government involvement minimized - let the market demand drive the development.
Let's not get special interest confused with any interest. Considering there are only a handful of people seriously interested in development downtown, no wonder the same folks keep making the same deals.
That said, I agree with your sentiment Joe. The downtown of the 1950s will never work. People need to stop trying to think that would ever work. Entertainment, residential development and a creative environment WILL work. The idea is to create an atmosphere that people WANT to be a part of.
Think about the cities you'd like to live. Austin, TX, Asheville, NC, Charlotte, NC, Denver, CO. They are all cool places. Making Salisbury cool is important, even if it seems cheesy.
1) Serious point: The Plaza is public right-of-way so the notion of charging a cover to be there = fail.
2) Now to the fun part. All the smart money and the insiders are planning bars, wine bars, pubs, taverns, speakeasies, beer gardens, etc. Why not? After all the Salisbury and Wicomico bar and entertainment sector is so vibrant.
Should provide an opportunity for the fahr dept to hose down the plaza each morning.
Of course all the new residents of the public housing that takes the place of the parking can walk to work at the bars. Sounds like a win-win!
To 11:13. There is plenty of two hour free parking Monday morning thru Friday afternoon. All other times all parking is free
Bottom Line-All these restaurants/bars ain't gonna work!
The demographics in and around Salisbury do not support this-PERIOD!
I've been doing this stuff for 50 years. I KNOW what works and what doesn't. One of the dreams of Jim Rouse when he developed Columbia was a Town Center (downtown.) Even with the 10's of 1000's people the Columbia residential units brought in and the 100's of 1000's The Mall brought in the Town Center couldn't get going. To this day almost 50 years later the Town Center never caught on.
I usually stay out of these conversations because what someones Idea is and if and when it actually happens are two completely different things. BUT for all the people that think Salisbury can handle more restaurants/entertainment/bars/nightclubs/wine bars lets look at a few things first. Lets talk to the "local" owners of the restaurants and bars and see how they are doing. I can tell you that all of them are holding on to life support trying to make ends meet. Between the city taxes, the county taxes, the increase in licencing(health department)the employee taxes, insurance, and a million other factors combined with an already flooded market means everyone is hurting. I wouldn't be surprised to see 3-4 reputable restaurants close in the next year. People talk about going after the college kids. Well guess what? College kids stay at home until 11:30pm get drunk then hit the 2-3 bars in town -(Brew River, Monkey Barrel, Roadie Joes) That are college kid friendly with $20 in their pockets and hang out until 2 am to try and find the next party. For those of us that have been to college you know this is how it has been for years. So the College kids money (which they don't have as much of now anyway that Mom and Dad are hurting also), is not going to make a whole downtown successful. Places like Austin Tx and 6th street make it because the University of Texas has an enrollment of over 50,000 students. But let's get back to Salisbury for a minute. Go to any restaurant that is not going after the college kids and they are 90% empty after 9pm. The college bars are 90% empty untill 11:30pm. Where are these NEW people going to come from to go to all these new places except for maybe a Friday and Saturday night. Now it is so set in peoples every day thinking that they have to have a coupon or a special deal to go to a place. Sure you need good food and service but then it is decided upon by who is giving away the most stuff. So like you said, sure lets build more restaurants, bars, clubs. Just like always you build 1 and 2 will close. It's vicious cycle but there is only so many ways you can split the pie before it's all gone. The chains will always make it. There is a reason no chains are willing to spend money to build downtown. They are smart enough to know it will never work. I guess time will tell. But this town doesn't give second chances to restaurants, they don't have too because there are so many. So for the few of you that want to revitalize downtown with new bars, and restaurants good luck. You get one chance so you better do it right.
What that area needs is a few Opium Dens to go along with the booze joints coming.
In answer to your original question. NO... downtown Salisbury is dead. I pray that there is not a bar district opened because it will quickly end up a red light district and kill the few good businesses left. I agree that there needs to be gates but one need to be locked at all times. That area leads directly into one of the most crime ridden areas in Salisbury and until that changes.. the plaza is dead. Far too easy for hit and run thefts. I know that is not PC... but it is the truth and it would change the way people shop. Close that far end and spruce up the place with shops and eats and you might find the people feel safer to come and shop.
11:13 -- If you can't afford $1/hour parking (and free for the first two hours and nights and weekends) then you probably aren't going to be spending much money at downtown business anyway. Feel free to stay home in Willards.
Interesting comments but not enough of them to really tell what people really want, expect or believe in.
The key here is that something is in the works. IF those who are investing into Downtown don't come together with the Mayor and Police Chief, the whole thing will fail.
The public needs to know SOMEONE is finally managing redevelopment. What bothers me is, look who is investing. Look at the names. I have even seen Mike Dunn meeting with people Downtown.
While it is not up to the public to make decisions for these investors, (and it shouldn't be) the public does have the right to know what's in the works.
Hopefully more comments come in on this matter but we'll see.
Bourbon is not pulling in the dollars due to locals but actually from tourist. It is a vacation destination. O C is a vacation destination so tourist zip right through Salisbury. College students are under age for the watering holes you say are opening downtown.
Downtown, just as in most cities, is a thing of the past.n Some years down the road downtowns will return. Things tend to run in cycles,
Don't forget that Ireton is going to sell off the parking lots for subsidized housing. I am sure those tenants will frequent these types of restaurants; At least they will not have to locate a parking spot like the rest of us.
I happened to be downtown several times this week, both day and night. Almost a ghost town, and you allow cars to drive through as a street. The downtown of the 70s will never return. You have lost control of the crime nearby, and building back citizen trust might be impossible. Since you seem to have the mayor,and every member of the city council wanting to open a business there, why not let them team with gillis and just get it done. At least you won't become section 8 housing. Funny, I thought being city official while controlling the game of also having a private business would be illegal? Oh, hell what do I know
Joe- PLEASE RUN AGAIN. The property owners and citizens of Salisbury need some with your wisdom and ability to lead the city into the remaining part of the 21st. century. Joe- if not for yourself please think about the others in our city.
The downtown of the 50's and 60's had beat cops patrolling the area on foot. If people don't feel secure, they won't come downtown - regardless of the businesses. Without adequate lighting and some form of police presence, I don't foresee the plaza ever becoming a place where people will want to go at night.
What official has a private business down there, 4:18?
Not Spies or Cohen, I know that for sure. Dunn is out of office now. Can't stand him, but he is out of office so he can do what he likes unless you know of something he did while in office that is connected to what he's doing now.
Day? Shields? Mitchell? Ireton? What do you know, if there is anything to know?
Joe, it seems that if you believe that the area is about to become a hot trendy area you should reconsider selling. If you go to places where these types of areas work... like Ellicott City you can see that it can be done. They are not a resort town but they make it work. I believe the answer was stated before. Close it off from troubled areas and start over. Completely tent the area by Parker place and make a music venue that can be heated with a walk thru the front of the building. Put awnings on the front of buildings for outdoor dining in the summer. But first... plug the holes where crime can slip through. The area was a community at one time and if it is made to feel like that again you will have commerce. And speaking as someone who knows... get rid of the meters that originally killed the area.
7:56-What you have to keep in mind about Ellicott City is that EC alone has a population of over 65,000. It's surrounded by counties with hundrends of thousands of people. Another thing is the household income in the area is much higher.
Will it be called Cronyville in honor of all those getting the real estate dirt cheap and the mega-investments from the city?
Looks like complicated situation.
Why couldn't downtown be our antique area, there are such areas in other cities and towns Berlin for example. Why are there to be so many bars when one or two would do? If you want to revitalize and draw traffic antique shops would bring all kinds of collectors to Salisbury, bus tours even.
anonymous 8:18, Downtown used to be loaded with antique shops for many years but one by one they started failing based on lack of interest.
anonymous 7:56 pm, Unless I get the price I'm asking for my property I will not sell it, period. We have additional plans for the property should it not sell. I received a call yesterday referencing a true anchor business interested in my location. I'm sure even more will come along.
Maryland has already passed the bill to make medical marijuana legal. Open co-op shops all along the Plaza, there will also be a need for more eatery's (munchies) and entertainment. The need to seize long term benefits from the new law is a necessity.
The citizens of Salisbury,and the community in general must first understand the difference between a novelty and a success.3rd Friday is a novelty because it only occurs once a month.Masses of people blasting in on that one day won't change a thing,as the editor has implied.Whether the plaza has gravitated too far away from a retail environment to be reborn remains to be seen.
Is there a police presence on 3rd Fridays? There has been dress guard inside Kuhn's store for years. No one wants to be a sitting duck. But what happens from the store to your car? There is only 2 parking spots in front of the store. When I find one (which isn't often) I may go in but if not... I'm not carrying an expensive item to my car and walk around that city block. I think the comment about security is valid. Malls have security.. so should any place that wants foot traffic for any reason.
Somebody put together a vision statement for downtown. I am uncertain of the source. Maybe somebody can speak up.
The vision was to fill in all the parking lots with housing, and make a vibrant downtown from the plaza to the water.
So who wrote this? They obviously intend to purchase city owned property to make it happen. And we know the city has a very poor track record of selling land at market price. It's always an insider deal.
Next...how did Mayor Ireton ever thing turning the parking lots into public housing would accomplish this goal? The only thing that would do is make a ghetto or war zone, easily controlled by a few access points, with natural (the river) and manmade (Rt 50) boundries. The businesses inside, though, would die as they are now.
No, it cannot be revitalized. I moved here in 1973 and have witnessed several attempts at revitalization over the years. When every business imaginable on every road leading into and out of Salisbury is allowed, how can anything survive downtown? There is no need to go downtown, unless you have an appointment with your lawyer or dentist. At one time the idea of a antique center would have been a good idea. The antique business is essentially dead now due to changing interests of people, few real antiques available, and high prices for those that are available. Most of my friends who were in the business are out of it now and those still in are in the same situation as our local restaurant owners.
First of all the entire shore is in a tailspin. The downtown area while quaint is now off the beaten path thanks to the bypass... The box stores are on route thirteen before the bypass for a reason. The idea of fixing downtown would be nice but it's just a dream. People aren't going to dojo a small store when they can simply go to walmart, target,ect. You have bypassed the area and now the funeral has begun...
Salisbury is not a business friendly place.
Someone has to make Salisbury a destination for something so people want to come here,maybe something unique like a bicycle race event,cross country run,etc.Plenty of sponsors locally,excellent police force can make it happen.
Been gone from Salisbury for a little over 17 years but I feel ver confident that downtown cannot handle that many restaurants/bars w/o catering to the college kids and other elements And usually that means trouble. Not sure the older ones, my age group, will patronize them. And the parking surely would create a problem. I would really like to think that downtown could be saved but realistically I think it is a dinosaur Wonder how Bobby Culver is doing????
I can recall a few years ago when the same conversation was going on about downtown Cambridge. It is not yet a rousing success, but they have made a lot of progress and things are on the upswing. What was once a dead, crime-ridden downtown is now something of a destination spot with a number of profitable stores. I think you get folks with the right vision and downtown Salisbury may still have some potential.
I was amused by the plan of building housing for "artists". Who determined they wanted to live there? How do you prove you are an artist? Then when it remains vacant who do they rent to? The apts @ Marley Manor used to have strict criteria to become a tenant, now they will rent to virtually anyone. So even they have down classed.
That whole "artist" community is a joke. Salisbury could never pull off the next New Hope PA or Peddlers Village PA venue.
Its a class of its own. Artist's don't typically live in a ghetto.
Towards the end the antique shops looked more like a junk shop. Even Seasons Best is looking run down.
As anyone in real estate can tell you... there are 3 essential factors to make property great.. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATON. Sadly downtown has neither.
Chop down the parking meters. Everywhere in this town and ALL the other surrounding towns, I can shop without a meter maid chasing me down the block! Does anyone in Salisbury even understand the concept behind "Shopping"?
It revolves around this; local folks, as well as tourists being able to spend an afternoon perusing whatever shop strikes their fancy from one hour to the next, without punishment or penalty. Relaxed spending. Stop and have a fountain milkshake, see some art, have a bite to eat, shop more, buy a stupid duck thingy.
Oh, SH!T! the parking police are here! GTFO! Game over.
And nobody gets this?
Well, I do, and that's why I avoid downtown.
I wish I had access to Downtown, as I have access to Wal mart and the others. I'd hang there if I could afford it.
6:29 - good post!
6:29 Bingo.
The parking meters are the least of the down town issues.....but as usual you locals can't see the real issue as you can't see that far and that would explain the plight of the shore as it goes down......
It has been reported that the Cracker Barrel is interested in the Bury, but said no to the old Zia's on Rt. 13 -- call them ASAP about your building for sale!
6:53 is Jimmy Boy! You suck, and we are right! Go pound sand, Jimmy!
All local cities who have chopped down the meters have a thriving Downtown. Those who haven't, are in a dive.
Don't you get it, Jimmy?
P.S., You suck!
Actually I get a lot!!!! You people are more interested in how many calls a fire department makes the what is really happening on the shore. The parking meters have little to do with the downtown....the bypass did just that... Get people right passed Salisbury, and you people closed your eyes as it happened. Now as the shore is sinking like the titanic you all sit back and point fingers instead of looking for real solutions.....too late for the shore it's going fast....
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