Elderly Salisbury Couple Ignored By Boy Mayor Jake Day After Severe Flooding

I want to express a few things to everyone about to read the following letter below. This is the THIRD time this couple has been flooded out. What's important is, they never asked the City in the past for any kind of financial reimbursement, even though the City is responsible for infrastructure maintenance. All they had been asking is that the City keep this area groomed so another dam doesn't back up again. The Mayor has not only ignored the following letter/request, they have done nothing to maintain it and just as they had feared of yet another round of their home being flooded by several inches, it happened again. The image above was taken yesterday after the water had receded. You should also know that this couple has been displaced again and is searching for a place to live while their home is rebuilt once again. Ignoring this Family multiple times, especially since the Mayor has been warned in advance should now be at the expense of the City

106 Middle Neck Lane
Salisbury, MD 21804
March 28, 2017

Mayor Jake Day
125 North Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21801

Mayor Jake Day:

Dear Mr. Day,

I want to applaud you for the good work you are doing in beautifying the City of Salisbury. As a retired health department employee, I remember many enjoyable walks through downtown. I remember days of walking to court and telling a co-worker that I hoped the old historic buildings would be kept and restored. And that's happening! I remember standing in awe at the gorgeous tulips outside our building on Main Street and up and down the plaza. I still enjoy the plants, the events, the shops and, of course my favorite, the library with accessible parking between the library and the plaza. I could say so much more about the beautification and the progress in the city.

I move on, however, to a more pressing matter to my husband and me. Our focus has been on infrastructure, drain pipes operating properly, repairs and maintenance done in a timely and orderly
manner. It has been six months now that we have lived in a motel. It has been six months since the flood of September 30, 2016, the flood that put us out of our home. I know you remember it well since we have been informed of your being in other ares of the city that horrendous day I can't tell you how many people have told my husband and me that they knew why we were flooded (8 inches of water throughout the house). Out of the blue they would talk about Northwood Drive, the undersized drain pipes, the debris left in the pipes and in the surrounding area, the trees and bushes obstructing the drains. The Northwood Drive, Alexander Ave. and Rt. 13 areas appear to be in dire need of repair. There also appears to be much neglect in that area with the lack of maintenance.

I appeal to your good will, Mr. Day, in compensating us in some way for the expenses that have come out of our savings, our life insurance policy, our retirement. We seek peace and wholeness in our lives and plead with you for your assistance in this matter. Frequently, we had people from the surrounding area come over to fish in the back of our house. We didn't mind. We enjoyed sharing our little park. Now, we are exasperated trying to decide what to do if the city makes no changes. I know of a man in Somerset County who was displaced. I can't say I know the details but his sister has told me that the city got him a new house and paid for his lodging until the house was rebuilt. We are not asking for that but we certainly do plead with you for an agreeable solution. I thank you sincerely for your consideration.

Respectfully yours,
Mary and Mike Cox

C.C. Senator Addie Eckardt 

Representative Andy Harris

Joe,

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your listening to me this afternoon. Thank you so much. My husband was happy when I relayed our conversation to him when he got home from shopping. He said he would love talking with you himself. Regarding the pictures, he does indeed have LOADS of pictures. They're on his
camera, though, and I am not adept at putting them on the computer. If you are able, Mike suggested his meeting you somewhere and he would give the needed pictures to you. He also said that my letter was too soft. I think if I were to write it today I would be much stronger. One thing I would add would be the fines
the city puts out when yards are not maintained. Well, shouldn't they be expected to do the same thing when it comes to proper maintenance? Again, I thank you for listening and for being on our side. Mike is sending a letter to Carl Anderton. I forgot about that.

Originally posted at 2:07 PM