Heated public hearing on proposed downtown density increase; supporters cite housing supply, opponents cite affordability and process concerns

The Salisbury City Council opened a public hearing on Ordinance No. 2909, a proposed text amendment to §17.24.040 of the Salisbury City Code to increase inherent density permitted in the Central Business District (CBD). The hearing drew more than two dozen speakers with sharply divided views.

Molly Hillegas, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity (and a Salisbury resident), said the Maryland Department of Planning projects household growth in Wicomico County and that Salisbury has the most capacity for water and sewer connections among county municipalities. She told the council the projection of future household growth and an imminent expansion of graduate medical education at TidalHealth support higher downtown density to house incoming medical personnel. "Density is absolutely the answer," she said.

Joey Gilkerson, who identified himself as a developer and downtown business owner, also supported the amendment and said dense downtown development saves infrastructure costs compared with sprawl. "Increased density is best for…