Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman
♦ The inability and refusal of the full Council to vote on the zoning issue was personally embarrassing to me. Sending the measure to a special committee for further discussion and review was unnecessary and a disservice to the citizens.
The residents of the affected North Fulton Street Community made it expressly clear they did not want the business (“The Wedding”) in their community, so what needs to be further discussed or what other compromises need to be made?
The residents came out in force to say it was not a good fit for their neighborhood. So, to delay a vote this way was a slap in their face and saying your voice was not important enough to do our duty.
Council Members have had well over a month to review and familiarize themselves with information and spent nearly three hours during the meeting hearing additional information presented. So if a decision couldn’t be rendered, it had nothing to do with not having adequate time and access to all information. That was political posturing, pacification, and political cowardice.
I shared my displeasure and discontent with this political stall tactic. I was elected to make difficult decisions and we owe it to those who instilled confidence in us to make those tough decisions. We wasted a lot of people’s time and lost respect last night.
Yes we need businesses and revenue, but not at the expense of compromising the integrity of our communities. People have a right to find solace, safety, and comfort in where they live. Business should never take precedence over that.
We have enough empty buildings in downtown Salisbury and in other areas of this City that could be used instead of forcing the complexion of a neighborhood to change. If we’re funding Rowan Works and DSI then task them with finding suitable locations.
We need industry and not just businesses that cater to a come and go clientele. When this business leaves, the neighborhood will still be there.
