Salisbury City Council approves zoning changes amid rising concerns over local drug activity

The Salisbury City Council convened on January 27, 2025, to address several pressing issues affecting the community, including zoning changes, public safety concerns, and ongoing discussions about affordable housing.

The meeting began with the council's approval of Ordinance 2917, which involves the reclassification of a residential area at 413 Snow Hill Road to general commercial zoning. The motion passed unanimously, indicating a consensus among council members regarding the need for this change.

Following the ordinance discussion, the meeting transitioned to public comments, where residents voiced significant concerns about drug activity in their neighborhoods. A resident from Homer Street described the area as an "open-air drug market," detailing personal experiences with drug dealers and the impact on her family's safety. She emphasized the need for more effective police intervention and community support to address these issues. Another resident echoed these sentiments, highlighting the ongoing struggles with crime and the lack of adequate responses from law enforcement.

In response to the public comments, council members acknowledged the seriousness of the residents' concerns. Council member Nathan Cox noted the importance of communication between the council and the community, particularly regarding the responsiveness of council members to resident inquiries.

The meeting also included a segment on administrative comments, where Mr. Kittsborough reported on the city's response to recent snow emergencies and outlined plans for improving future responses to severe weather events. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation of various departments during the snow emergency discussions.

Council member Sherry Sapplehug addressed accusations regarding her integrity and commitment to affordable housing. She defended her record, citing ongoing renovations and developments aimed at increasing affordable housing options in Salisbury. Sapplehug emphasized the need for collaboration with county officials to enhance housing initiatives and criticized the perception that the city is solely responsible for addressing these challenges.

The meeting concluded with additional council comments, where members commended efforts to tackle litter issues in the community and expressed appreciation for the city's recent events, including a successful mayoral dinner.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to addressing community concerns while navigating the complexities of urban development and public safety. The council plans to continue engaging with residents to foster a collaborative approach to the challenges facing Salisbury.