City of Cumberland

The City of Cumberland's 2023 Annual Action Plan, derived from its 2020-2024 Consolidated Five Year Plan, serves as a roadmap to improve decent housing, provide a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities for its residents. Key strategic goals encompass public facility and infrastructure enhancements (including housing-related projects), provision of non-housing public services, support for homeless individuals through overnight shelters, and effective administration and planning. The plan aims to address community needs, particularly for low- and moderate-income populations, while striving to make Cumberland an excellent place to live, an enjoyable place to visit, and a supportive environment for business.

The primary discussion involved a public hearing for the presentation of "The Villages at Campobello," a proposed 65-unit housing development by Allegany County and D.R. Horton, located in the R-U Zone on the former Allegany High School site. The plan includes 35 townhomes, 21 single-family detached homes, and 9 villas. Key discussions covered infrastructure responsibility (Allegany County), location of green space (approximately 1.5 acres southwest of the cul-de-sac), initial construction lots (7 lots), target pricing for the units (townhomes in the high $100,000s, detached homes between $235,000-$260,000), and utility provisions. The motion to approve Site Plan Review SPR25-000003 passed unanimously. Citizen comments addressed warranties (D.R. Horton offers a 10-year structural warranty), rental restrictions (HOA covenants require owner occupancy), and HOA control transitioning from the County to residents upon 80% occupancy. The project timeline stipulates D.R. Horton has one year to complete the project.

This document provides an update to the comprehensive plan, outlining broad policies, goals, and investment priorities. The plan addresses key areas including Land Use and Development, Transportation and Infrastructure, Community Facilities, and Environmental Protection. It is structured around five principal components: Planning Framework, Growing Cumberland (covering Land Use, Housing, Community & Economic Development), Infrastructure, Environment & Natural Resources, and Plan Implementation. The overall objective is to foster a sustainable community by blending small-town charm with modernization, ensuring resident well-being, and providing fiscally responsible governance.

The meeting included discussions on the Treasurer's Report, which indicated that overall expenses are in line with expectations, with marketing expenses noted to be higher due to the use of a specific line item before ARPA funds. The Executive Director's Report covered completed tasks such as organizing ribbon cuttings for local businesses, sending out e-blasts, managing the Summer Farmer's Market, updating the website, and planning for the Winter Festival and Market. Updates were provided on the Baltimore Street Project, including communications regarding lighting concerns. The CEDC reported on grant funds distributed for façade improvements and the creation of a downtown business discount card. The Historic Preservation Committee discussed their presence at Heritage Days and the ongoing Historic Preservation Plan. Main Street Committee reports included discussions on clean, safe, and green initiatives, planting designs for downtown, economic restructuring, research on other Main Street communities, and the upcoming Winter Festival and Market.

The ordinance concerns the acceptance of a bid from Texas Development and Design, LLC for the purchase of city-owned property at 107 Springdale Street, Cumberland, MD. It outlines the terms of the conveyance, including the purchase price, the type of deed (quitclaim), payment of recordation and transfer taxes, and responsibility for real estate taxes. The ordinance also specifies the method and timing of payments to be made by the purchaser and authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and deliver the necessary deeds.