Salisbury Council Discusses Affordable Housing Requirements for New Developments

The Salisbury City Council held an open work session on June 16, 2025, focusing on critical issues surrounding the establishment of a new planning commission and the pressing need for affordable housing in the city. The meeting began with a discussion led by council member Robert Taylor, who emphasized the importance of integrating affordable housing requirements into new developments. He expressed concern that developers often build without accountability for including affordable units, suggesting that the council should mandate a minimum number of affordable housing units in new projects.

Taylor highlighted the deteriorating conditions of some existing developments, criticizing developers for neglecting their properties after completion. He urged the council to take a more proactive stance in ensuring that new developments contribute to the community's housing needs, particularly for low-income residents.

The conversation then shifted to the formation of the new planning commission, which is set to replace the previous joint planning and zoning commission with the county. Council members discussed the timeline for establishing the commission, noting that a vote would take place soon, with a deadline for formation in 60 days. There was a consensus on the necessity of drafting clear guidelines and rules for the new commission to ensure effective governance and accountability.

Council members raised questions about the selection process for commission members, particularly regarding prioritizing current members of the planning and zoning commission who possess valuable experience. The discussion included the need for a code of conduct to define misconduct and incompetence among commission members, aiming to create a structured framework for operations.

The meeting concluded with plans to review the draft guidelines and rules for the new commission in upcoming sessions, with a first reading scheduled for June 28, 2025. The council expressed a commitment to ensuring that the new planning commission effectively addresses the city's development needs while prioritizing affordable housing and community welfare.