June 17th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

According to a recent report, much of Allegany County's population still lives below federal poverty guidelines. The 2019 Census American Community Survey data indicated that 23% of residents in Cumberland and Frostburg were experiencing poverty, compared to the state average of 9%. Countywide, the poverty rate was 15.6%. It is one reason that affordable, low cost housing is a priority for the area. However at the same time the city is trying to attract and retain young professionals looking for quality homes in attractive neighborhoods. Currently any number of housing complex projects are in various stages of development including the former East Side school property; the Memorial Hospital location on Kent Avenue and the soon to be vacant site of the former Allegany High School on Sedgwick Street. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss…