January 29th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

17 local business owners and residents expressed concern about paid parking on Baltimore Street at the Cumberland Mayor and City Council’s public forum last night.  Each one agreed the revitalization of Baltimore Street has made downtown better on a number of levels, including more foot traffic in storefronts.  Larry Jackson, chair of the Downtown Development Commission said the revitalization of Baltimore Street is bringing the outcome it was intended to.  He also said it was not a parking project to begin with…

“Maybe we need to let the cake bake a little bit before we go do anything harsh, because right now I think it’s a really good thing that’s going on right now.  It’s been the monster effect on the Hobby Shop down there, and I’m sure other businesses are saying that, so very concerned about that whole perception thing.  That’s why I loved the project.  I think the access on Baltimore Street has— That was everything to get that going. It’s really not— That was not a parking project.”