Oct. 24—FROSTBURG — Frostburg and Cumberland officials showed off some of their city’s newest renovations and businesses on a typically warm Wednesday afternoon in late October.
Secretary Jason Day, of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, toured both boroughs and admired the progress made over the past decade.
“I am so confident that we have a new world-class public space,” Day said of the Main Street areas in Frostburg and Cumberland.
Day and his team started the day in Cumberland, focusing on the nearly completed transformation of the city’s downtown mall. They also visited several new businesses and buildings funded by his department’s Project Restore. Through that initiative, real estate assistance and operating grants are offered to support start-up and expansion costs and stimulate private investment in vacant spaces.
The group was led by Melinda Kelleher, executive director of Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission.
From there, Day and the group headed to Frostburg for lunch at the Toasted Goat, a building that has been updated and revitalized over the years.
They concluded with a tour of Frostburg’s Main Street, led by Deidre Robertson of FrostburgFirst and Town Administrator Elizabeth Stahlman.
They caught a glimpse of some recently opened businesses, such as the Old Forty Trading Co. and the Frostburg Business Center.
“It’s remarkable,” Day said.
He then referenced a similar downtown revitalization project that took place in Salisbury in 2016. Day grew up there and also served as the city’s 28th mayor.
“The difference is (Cumberland and Frostburg) took every detail to a higher level than what we did,” Day said. “It’s impressive, and I think it’s fantastic.”
Day said he is optimistic about the housing opportunities opening up in both Cumberland and Frostburg. He said these ideas are perfect for places experiencing population loss.
“Great main streets, great architecture and great downtowns, there’s a lot of potential,” he said.
Nowadays, the importance of preserving the “touristy” type areas will only help them maintain stability in the future.
“I’m a big believer in design and high quality,” Day said. “It gives dignity to people’s lives.”
According to Day, these elements give residents of small communities a greater appreciation and pride for where they grew up and where they currently live.
“It adds to that perception,” Day said.
Andrew Creelman is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4403 or email acreelman@times-news.com.
