What’s new in 2024? One of the most obvious projects happening in Western Maryland is the “new” Baltimore Street in downtown Cumberland! We know the construction has been long and inconvenient but we want to stay positive and focus on the exciting changes happening in the City of Cumberland. Change can be hard but *progress* is still important for our little community.
Name: Melinda Kelleher
Position: Executive Director – Downtown Development Commission
Q: What does 2024 look like for Downtown Cumberland? How much longer we will be in the construction phase? When will the project be completed?
A: The revitalization project downtown will continue this year and should wrap up in late October/early November. Additionally this year, there will be other downtown revitalization projects starting including the old Manhattan Restaurant building, and buildings on North Liberty Street. In 2023, we had 11 new businesses open downtown and we expect more to open this year.
Q: When will the Baltimore Street bridge be completed?
A: Summer 2024
Q: Has the construction project been delayed at all or is it on track?
A: The project is on track to be completed by Fall.
Q: We know there were a lot of unknowns when digging up Baltimore Street. What was the most interesting thing they have uncovered so far?
A: Old trolley tracks, pipes made of wood that were used for water and sewer.
Q: What are some highlights of the new design downtown?
A: Curbless streets, street parking on Baltimore Street, a public restroom in CBIZ Plaza, waterfall feature at Liberty Street parklet, one-way lane from Mechanic Street to George Street for slow-moving automobile traffic and bicycle traffic, large planters on wheels so they can be moved around for events. New infrastructure including water and sewer lines and 5G fiber.
Q: We hear a lot of complaints about parking so we are excited to have more parking spaces right outside of local businesses! How many parking spaces will be added?
A: There will be 20 parallel parking spaces on Baltimore Street, some of these will be designated as handicapped parking. During construction, you can park for two hours free at the parking garage on George Street. Parking on the downtown streets is always free on weekends and after 5PM on weekdays.
Q: We heard that there is going to be a lot of new landscaping involved in this project! Any idea of the amount of trees and plants they will bring in?
A: We don’t know yet the exact amount of trees and plants. The trees will be London Plane trees, which grow fast and can be trimmed up so there are no branches covering shop signage. The planters on wheels will have seasonal flowers in them.
Q: We love all of the murals that have been added downtown, like the Cumberland Times News Building and the Elijah Thane mural on Centre Street. Any other art installs planned?
A: We are working on funding for public art to be placed on the plinths in the CBIZ Plaza and the Liberty Street Plaza and on the wall of the CBIZ building.
Q: Do you think there are any aspects about the downtown project that will surprise us when it’s done?
A: The walkability will be fantastic. No curbs and wide sidewalks.
