ANNAPOLIS, Md. — After nearly half a century of operation, the Annapolis Marine Art Gallery will close its doors by the end of this year. Co-owner Samantha Wilkerson has pointed to the ongoing construction project at City Dock as a significant factor influencing this difficult decision.
A sign outside the gallery succinctly communicates their predicament: “Construction 1, Us 0.”
“The space we have cherished for 48 years will no longer be our home,” noted Wilkerson, reflecting on the impending closure.
This closure follows the recent expansion of the City Dock project onto Dock Street, a development that has already adversely affected local businesses. In January, Wilkerson mentioned the substantial financial impacts the construction had begun to impose on shops in the vicinity.
“Businesses along Dock Street have experienced revenue declines ranging from 20 to 50 percent,” she explained at the time.
Currently, the situation has become even more dire, according to Wilkerson.
“Our revenue continues to diminish. Customer foot traffic has noticeably decreased, impacting us and neighboring stores. We have observed other businesses shuttering one after another,” she remarked.
Local business owners are increasingly seeking clarity from city officials.
“How do you expect businesses to thrive when they are essentially fenced off from their customers?” Wilkerson questioned.
Wilkerson expressed her discontent with the city’s unfulfilled commitments to business owners, stating that the support she hoped for has been lacking. “It’s frustrating that the city is the source of these issues, yet they have not taken the necessary steps to assist us. We keep hearing that the construction serves a greater purpose in addressing flooding, but it should not come at the expense of our small businesses. There should be a balance, yet it feels as if we have been entirely overlooked,” she said.
In regards to the construction’s intent of mitigating flooding problems in Annapolis, Wilkerson noted that the situation has, in some instances, worsened.
“During heavy rainfall, areas that previously experienced no flooding are now affected because of removed pumps and blocked storm drains. It doesn’t make sense, and it feels as though we are being pushed out of our own community,” Wilkerson remarked.
She further indicated that the city’s assistance to those impacted by the construction has been minimal.
“The signage intended to guide our customers often appears damaged, barely held together, and their online mentions of us have been our only source of support from the city,” she stated.
Wilkerson revealed that the lack of transparency from city officials has been particularly disappointing. A recent shift in the construction schedule, which extends the project timeline to May 2028, was something she learned about through an online post rather than being informed directly by city representatives.
“Finding out about the project’s extended timeline online through Access Annapolis, just like the general public, has been incredibly disheartening,” Wilkerson said.
Despite the challenges, the gallery plans to continue selling art through its online platform and is urging its patrons to continue their support after the physical location closes.
This news story was originally reported on-air by a journalist and has been adapted for this platform with the help of AI. Our editorial team ensures the accuracy and fairness of all reporting across platforms.
