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Downtown Redevelopment Project Price Tag Continues to Rise

November 14th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

When discussion heated up several years ago about a proposal to  re-open  the downtown mall to vehicular traffic and limited parking- preliminary price tags ranged from $3.5 to $5 million. With actual construction possibly set to begin next summer- the latest dollar amount is closer to $9.4 million. The Baltimore Street Redevelopment Project, as it is known, is being overseen by the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation. During this week’s regular monthly CEDC meeting- executive director Paul Kelly said the bulk of the funding has been secured through local, state and federal sources- with a remaining funding gap of $2.2 million. Efforts to close that gap are being aggressively pursued…

"https://www.wcbcradio.com/audio/archive/111419/Kelly1.mp3"

8 Responses to “Downtown Redevelopment Project Price Tag Continues to Rise”

  1. November 14, 2019 at 6:26 am, mac said:

    This is getting so tiresome. It’s the same article week after week. The only changes are the date and the new higher dollar amount.

    Reply

  2. November 14, 2019 at 7:14 am, Carolyn said:

    And WHY are we opening one lane on Baltimore St.?????and spending a fortunate when money could be used to hire more Police and Fireman and increase their salaries. Upgrade other utilities. THERE’s nothing on Baltimore ST. to spend that kind of money…

    Reply

    • November 14, 2019 at 8:18 am, mac said:

      > When the project was originally begun the plan was only to replace aging utilities underground and to supply fiber optic cable to the businesses along Baltimore St.
      But when it came to finding the funds to actually get the work done they agreed to accept Highway Department funding. The only catch was that there must be an actual thoroughfare involved so those involved came up with the brilliant idea of opening one lane of traffic.
      Now the emphasis is on one way traffic and, by the way, we’ll replace the aging utilities since we’ll be digging.
      One other thing, the one way street will serve as a drop-off for guests at the 48 room boutique hotel. That is another add-on to the original project. The powers that be want Cumberland to be an upmarket ghost town.

      Reply

  3. November 14, 2019 at 10:08 am, hollywood said:

    I like that idea, an upscale ghost town. All we need now is a large plastic statue of a ghost to be placed in front of the ” Boutique Hotel ” Lets go with Leo G. Carroll, ( Cosmo Topper ) and the ” Farkelization ” of Cumberland will nearly be complete.

    Reply

    • November 14, 2019 at 2:25 pm, Jay said:

      At least it will be a nicer street for the local indigents to hang out on.

      Reply

      • November 14, 2019 at 2:51 pm, mac said:

        > That’s right Newly paved walkways with decorative tiles. Light poles along the sidewalk and more trees and shrubs. Don’t forget there are also plans to have a freestanding restroom somewhere on the street that will be open to the public. That will be an interesting place to visit.

        Reply

  4. November 16, 2019 at 4:34 am, Mark said:

    Maybe they could close the funding gap with a fundraiser. A great idea would be a contest to see who can name the fathers of Seth Bernard’s children!!

    Reply

  5. November 17, 2019 at 2:30 pm, hollywood said:

    :)

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Carolyn