'Long time coming:' Locals impressed by new downtown

Nov. 15—CUMBERLAND — Mary Conlon has seen Cumberland change drastically over the years as industry has come and gone.

An area resident since the 1970s, she's hopeful the new downtown will bring the city economic growth and prosperity.

"I'm hopeful that the economy can continue to grow," Conlon said Thursday as the city celebrated the completion of its 18-month Reimagine Cumberland project, which includes new underground infrastructure, landscaping, wide sidewalks, limited parallel parking and a one-way street for bicycles and cars on the former pedestrian-only mall.

Local resident Sylvia Williams said she is most impressed by the sleek, modern design of the area, most notably the planters that line Baltimore Street.

"I am absolutely thrilled," she said. "It's a long time coming."

Gary Robertson, a part of the Cumberland community for decades, said the new area is "people-oriented."

"It's pleasing to the eye, and it looks comfortable," he said. Robertson said the area had previously "outgrown" itself, warranting the changes.

He also noticed increased traffic that some businesses in the downtown corridor are experiencing.

"I'm optimistic about it all," Roberts said, referencing the 15 new businesses that have moved into the downtown, with seven more on the way.

Robertson's wife, Sharon Park-Robertson, said that the revitalized Baltimore street gives people more reason to stay in the area rather than go other places for things like entertainment.

"Before, we had to go out of town to enjoy things like this," she said. "Especially with the restaurants."

Local historian Al Feldstein thinks that the new downtown area is trying to shy away from being known simply as a "mall" and should be known more as a place of growth.

"They're trying to get away from calling it the mall," he said. "It presents a tremendous opportunity."

Feldstein said that the job is now up to the public and local community to make sure that the new city center maintains stability.

"You have to keep the momentum going," he said.

"Everybody has a stake in this. You have to keep the pressure on and keep pushing."

Andrew Creelman is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4403 or email .

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