SALISBURY, Md. — The Metropolis of Salisbury was just lately awarded $500,000 in grant cash. Will probably be put in the direction of the revitalization of the Union Railway Station within the Church Road Historic District.
The constructing itself is not on the point of collapse, however would enormously profit from some fundamental repairs. Shattered home windows, damaged doorways, stained brick, and a crack within the roof make up a lot of the injury sustained from years of neglect.
It is why Salisbury’s mayor, Jake Day, mentioned the $500,000 grant is so very important.
“Having the state as a companion is so vital, half one million {dollars} is a sport changer, as a result of in any other case, that constructing would proceed to take a seat within the situation that it is in at the moment,” mentioned Day.
The grant was awarded by way of the Strategic Demolition Fund, a program designed to assist fund initiatives that speed up job manufacturing and financial growth. Union Station was one in every of 22 initiatives to obtain funding within the state of Maryland.
We spoke with the buildings proprietor and challenge developer John Knorr over the cellphone. He informed WBOC as soon as the fundamental repairs are made, the plan is to show Union Station right into a multi-use facility with a restaurant, public restrooms, and a motorbike store. Work ought to start within the Spring of 2023, in response to Knorr.
Mayor Day mentioned it is going to slot in completely with an ongoing $22 million challenge that may join Delmar and Fruitland with a path system.
“We’re investing massive cash from the federal authorities, state authorities and domestically into making that a phenomenal park hall, all the best way from Delmar to Fruitland,” mentioned Day. “So this being adjoining is sort of a gem and potential trailhead to attach folks onto that path approach from all around the area.”
Dr. Clarence E. Polk is a neighborhood pastor at Unity Christian Fellowship, simply throughout the road from Union Station. He believes the redevelopment of the constructing shall be an important profit for the neighborhood.
“The best way I take a look at that is any revitalization, a constructing like this or notably on this neighborhood, can solely be factor for the neighborhood,” mentioned Polk.
Very similar to the meant function of the grant, Polk additionally believes this might result in extra jobs and lift property values.
The hope of turning an previous eyesore into one thing the group will be happy with and create jobs alongside the best way.
