October 28th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

WCBC News held a candidates forum for those running for open seats on Cumberland City Council.  Four candidates including incumbents are vying for two positions.  Candidates were asked for their plans on how to develop the former Memorial Hospital site.  

Candidate Brian Lepley said he has talked to residents in the immediate area about their concerns…

“I’ve walked that community.  I’ve walked the neighborhood.  I’ve talked to the neighbors and I’ve asked what they want to see here.  And consistently they want to see single homes and townhouse-like buildings that match up to the neighborhood.”

Incumbent Council member Lauri Marchini said they need to find a developer that understand the area needs…

“We were in negotiation with a developer.  Unfortunately, it did not go as planned. I’d say the further we got into it, the more that we realized that we were not on the same page, and we had different priorities.”

Simeon Younger said the area could provide an answer to certain housing needs…

“The community there is what it is, and it’s pretty much homeowners.  And I believe our homeless crisis and our housing issues here in Cumberland Maryland need to be addressed.  Yes, this is a way to address—this is a step in the right direction.  I just think that as community we want more.”

D.A. Tinnen wants to have community input on the project…

“I’ll have to take a closer look at that.  I want to go back through the history. I want to look at the past contract that was before, before we enter another contract.  What I will say is that before we do anything, if we have to restart, I want to hear from the community.”