Development News for Salisbury, North Carolina

Water Shutoff Planned for Jake Alexander Boulevard Businesses Due to Major Line Break

During a discussion on a water line break on Jake Alexander Boulevard, Public Works Director Jason Wilson reported that crews would need to turn off water to approximately half a dozen businesses between Martin Luther King Boulevard and Clumac Road. The work is scheduled for tonight at 11:00 PM with the hope of restoring water by 4:00 AM. The biggest impact will be on the hotel at the corner of Jake Alexander Boulevard and Clumac Road. The repair is necessary due to a major water line break that could not be fixed with a clamp. The city is working with the fire department and Adrian Gant for business notifications.

Salisbury Approves Annexation and Rezoning for Victory Heights Mixed-Use Development

The City Council approved a voluntary annexation of 3.47 acres located at 3120 Statesville Boulevard and a conditional district rezoning for the same parcels. The annexation will incorporate the land, currently zoned residential mixed use (RMX) in the ETJ and commercial business industrial (CBI) by the county, into the city's RMX zoning with a conditional district overlay. The rezoning is considered a downzoning, reducing permitted uses. The proposed development, 'Victory Heights', will feature a campus-style mixed-use complex with 30 multi-family units in the rear building and 26 multi-family units with 8,494 sq ft of retail on the ground floor in the front building facing Statesville Boulevard. The developer made adjustments based on community feedback, including relocating dumpsters and prohibiting tobacco, vape, and hemp shops as retail uses. The plan is consistent with the Forward 2040 comprehensive plan, and staff recommended a future land use map designation of Neighborhood Activity Center. Council members expressed support, noting the need for housing and commercial development and the developer's responsiveness to community concerns.

Salisbury City Council Reviews Proposed 2026-2027 Budget with 1.9 Cent Tax Increase and Focus on Public Safety and Infrastructure

The City Council held a public hearing on the proposed full fiscal year 2026-2027 city budget. The total recommended citywide budget is $131,702,978, representing a nearly 12% increase from the previous year. Key highlights include a 6.5% pay increase for eligible employees (with a 2.5% COLA, 3% merit, and 1% bonus, excluding sworn police officers who receive a range adjustment), retirement increases for full-time employees, a $1.5 million budget for street resurfacing, funding for new police officer and park ranger positions, and investments in infrastructure maintenance, technology, and economic development. The budget also proposes a 1.90 cent tax increase, which would amount to approximately $4.74 per month for a $300,000 home, to fund public safety positions, police pay adjustments, and street paving. Water and sewer rates are recommended to increase by 4%, while solid waste and stormwater fees remain unchanged. The budget does not include funding for several requested projects, including Chestnut Hill Cemetery repaving, Station 1 training tower repair, fleet facility enhancement design, and additional phases for the Empire Building and Depot projects. Council members discussed concerns about project timelines and funding for downtown improvements, ultimately receiving an update on the Main Street project indicating it is fully funded and expected to begin next summer.

Firefighter Compensation and Police Staffing Draw Focus During Salisbury Budget Public Hearing

During the budget hearing, public comment highlighted significant concerns regarding compensation and staffing for the Salisbury Fire Department. Firefighters and a resident expressed that a growing gap exists between firefighter and police compensation, leading to experienced personnel leaving the department. It was stated that 48.6% of current firefighters have less than two years of experience, and a captain and engineer recently resigned. The speakers urged the council to address the compensation gap to improve retention, recruitment, and public safety. Conversely, other speakers supported the proposed budget's investments in the police department, including new officer and park ranger positions, citing an increase in property crime and the need for better police staffing. A business owner supported increased police funding due to property crime and issues with the homeless population. A resident also spoke in support of the police department and suggested adding more officers. Council members discussed the budget's impact on public safety and acknowledged the concerns raised.