October 21st, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Economic Development Corporation made its biggest investment yet into the Maryland Avenue Revitalization project last month when it purchased the Kingsley United Methodist Church building for nearly $700,000. That same building sold for just $100,000 in 2000. City officials, through bond sales have secured roughly $3.5 million for the project which will see more than 60 structures in the Rolling Mill section of town demolished to make way for a commercial development venture. The project has not been without controversy as about a dozen propertyowners are holding out, having no desire to sell at this point. CEDC executive director Shawn Hershberger says it’s ironic that some of those critical of the organization for spending $690,000 on the church- were the same who accused the city of  “low balling” other property owners…