January 16th, 2019 by WCBC Radio
The goal of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation is to secure funding this year- and begin construction next year on proposed renovations on the downtown mall- however the final price tag remains an unknown. For two years the CEDC has been s working on plans to revitalize the mall- with the highlights being a 48-room boutique hotel- as well as re-opening the mall to vehicular traffic and limited parking. The preliminary estimates for the planned changes range between $5 million and $7.4 million. During this month’s meeting of the Downtown Development Commission, DDC member Dan Bowser- part owner of Mezzos on Centre Street- said his concern is with how much work will have to be done to the water, sewer, gas and electrical infrastructure underneath the mall. He said he can see a scenario where the cost could easily exceed the estimated high of $7.4 million. Another concern is how downtown businesses, particularly bars and restaurants, will be impacted during the construction phase of the renovation…