June 25th, 2020 by WCBC Radio
WCBC News has learned that Paul Kelly will be stepping down as executive director of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation after nearly three years on the job. According to an internal memo obtained by WCBC News, the CEDC board is expected to address the situation at a mid July staffing meeting. Kelly, who worked as a private practice attorney for a decade before taking the CEDC job in July of 2017, declined to comment when contacted by WCBC News. CEDC board chair Jonathan Hutcherson was not immediately available. With Kelly’s resignation not yet officially submitted, several board members contacted by WCBC News declined to comment publicly, but did confirm the story. The CEDC was formed in July 2015 by vote of the mayor and City Council with the charge of trying to bring businesses and jobs to Cumberland. Among some of the higher profile projects: the Rolling Mill redevelopment and the redesign of the downtown mall. At least one source told WCBC News that Kelly was frustrated last month when long discussed merger plans between the CEDC and Allegany County fell through- and that may have played a part in his decision to leave the position.
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June 25, 2020 at 7:58 am, Ken said:
Kelly didn’t get his way with the merger so he’s packing his bags and leaving like a child. He wanted all the authority, all the funding, but without any oversight. Sounds like his hostel takeover of the DDC also was unraveling. Since the CEDC 2015 founding and Kelly’s arrival what projects has he finished? Why does Dave want to give this shyster keys to the county when he has proven time over time that he can’t complete a project.
June 25, 2020 at 8:02 am, Jay said:
And you know all of this how?
June 25, 2020 at 8:32 am, Bob said:
> He took over an establishment that provides inexpensive lodging?
June 25, 2020 at 8:08 am, Welchy said:
Did anyone just hear Dave’s nutty rant? He’s blaming the county for Paul leaving……….even though they approved the merger And the CEDC.city still hasn’t. Rolling Mills and no progress on mall lay with Kelly and CEDC no one else
June 25, 2020 at 8:25 am, Chuck said:
The merger may happen now with Kelly out of the way.