By Mark Wineka
mark.wineka@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — With recent national attention on violence directed at law enforcement officers, Mayor Paul Woodson made a point Tuesday of letting Salisbury Police know that he, the rest of City Council and staff have their backs.

“We want them to be safe,” Woodson said toward the end of City Council’s meeting Tuesday. “… Things are going on in the country now that just aren’t good for our nation.”

Woodson said police officers have one of the toughest jobs and many times have to make quick decisions in the line of duty. He told Police Chief Rory Collins to let his fellow officers know “we are behind them.”

In other business Tuesday, council:

• Approved a driveway variance for New Sarum Brewery at 109 N. Lee St. The brewery sought a third driveway cut into the Gateway parking lot so delivery trucks would have better access to its loading dock.

The new driveway entrance into the Gateway lot will be between the existing two.

“I’ve always wanted to drive that way, but there’s a flower pot in the way,” Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell said.

• Approved some security lighting that projects overhead and into the public alley at 322 E. Council St.

• Learned applications are being accepted for Historic Preservation Incentive Grants. The matching grants are available on a competitive basis for exterior projects in owner-occupied homes in the North Main Street, Brooklyn-South Square, West Square and Ellis Graded School historic districts.

Applications are available by calling the Planning Department at 704-638-5324. The deadline for applications is Sept. 30.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.