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Downtown Renovation Groundbreaking Slated for Fall Despite Funding Gap

February 13th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Even with a funding gap exceeding two million dollars- local officials remain confident that construction on the long discussed redevelopment of the Downtown Cumberland Mall can begin this fall. With the price tag currently at $9.5 million- efforts by the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation continue to secure the final $2.4 million needed to complete the funding puzzle.  The package currently consists of funding from the city of Cumberland, the state of Maryland as well as ARC funding.  The project in question is designed to replace aging underground utility lines and eventually reopening the mall to vehicular traffic and limited parking. Initial cost projections several years ago began in the 4 million range.  During a meeting this week between the CEDC and the Mayor and City Council. Mayor Ray Morriss said the key is to keep the momentum going- but added that there are no certainties at this point as the city awaits final construction estimates and bid numbers…

4 Responses to “Downtown Renovation Groundbreaking Slated for Fall Despite Funding Gap”

  1. February 13, 2020 at 11:25 am, David said:

    Now we have a substantial funding “gap.” Maybe they need to reconsider this project and do something to lower the cost. For example: do not open the mall to traffic, but move ahead with the replacement of the aging utility lines and getting fiber installed. This would benefit existing businesses and be a great lure for new tech related businesses.

    Reply

    • February 13, 2020 at 2:45 pm, mac said:

      > There lies the rub. The funding they do have is from the highway department and the requirement is that it has to be used for a thoroughfare. If they skip the roadway they lose the money.

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      • February 13, 2020 at 4:20 pm, Jay said:

        Mac is correct. To get the money they have to open the mall to traffic. If they say 9.5 mil it will be more like 11-12 mil. If they say it will take 18 months it will be more like 2 years. And if they say they will start in October I would say that’s 50/50.

        Reply

  2. February 14, 2020 at 3:47 am, Mark said:

    Great idea! let’s start something we don’t have the money to finish! What could possibly go wrong?? Look how great Rolling Mill has turned out!! LMAO

    Reply

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