I remember quite well when this building once was the home of the most thriving furniture business on the Eastern Shore. If Dave Miller's father were alive today the building might not be used as a furnitue business but I can guarantee it wouldn't be an eyesore nor a health hazzard.
SALISBURY -- Workers were seen making repairs to the old Feldman's Furniture building downtown, but owner David Miller said it's not a sign someone new is coming in -- not yet, at least.
Miller is waiting for the perfect buyer who's willing to perform the rehab the building needs. With some parties interested, Miller said all he needs is a contract to come through.
The building was condemned in October 2008. Miller still hasn't submitted a rehabilitation plan to the city, which is required after 30 days of condemnation. Even though his actions are punishable by municipal infraction, the city hasn't levied any penalties.
But members of the downtown community aren't as patient as Miller and the city. In its most recent quarterly report, economic development engine Urban Salisbury called for demolition and intervention by the city.
"Urban Salisbury has recommended that the city take an aggressive stance to resolve the situation, most probably by demolition of the derelict structures," said Allan Hope, Urban Salisbury executive director. "Not only will this remove an eyesore, but it should create redevelopment."
In recent years, the city hasn't seen much success with having a hand in development projects. The abandoned fire department building on South Division Street was opened for bids in the past year, but after months of discussion, the City Council reached a stalemate in choosing a proposal. One of the two bidders later pulled out of the redevelopment process. Even with only one remaining proposal on the table, council members haven't moved forward.
Anne Taylor, whose Parker Place Gardens shop is near the aging Feldman's building, wants to see some action taken."This problem with (Feldman's) goes back as long as I've been here -- 12 years," she said.
The parcel, which includes the old Feldman's Furniture building and the former Ethan Allen building, is marketed as a redevelopment project with a $1 million price tag. The Feldman's portion is listed at $650,000. Miller said workers this week were repairing some portions of the interior, painting and taking down some walls.
About his overdue rehabilitation plan, Miller said all plans thus far have been tentative.
"It really all depends on who is going to buy it," he said. "The most expensive thing to do is replace all of the track lights. But it doesn't make sense for us to replace the track lights if someone who buys it isn't going to use them."
