January 15th, 2020 by WCBC Radio
After months of negotiations failed to result in an agreement by the end of last year- the proposal to merge the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation with Allegany County nearly unraveled. Two weeks into the new year however- it appears a deal is close at hand. The county and the CEDC with the blessing of the city of Cumberland began talks last summer- but in late November Commissioner Jake Shade described the sides as being “far apart” and suggested that if a deal were not agreed to by year’s end- the county would be ready to move on. That situation has changed for the positive- with the city meeting in closed session yesterday in anticipation of the County Commissioners approving a memorandum of understanding at Thursday’s meeting. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss…
Where the CEDC would be located if merged with the county became an issue during negotiations. The CEDC’s budget was another sticking point. During negotiations, the CEDC was indicating it wanted an annual budget as high as $1 million. It is currently funded at $350,000 by the city. Commissioner David Caporale tells WCBC News he believes most of those issues have been resolved to the satisfactory of all parties. Having served as a city councilman and now as a county commissioner- Caporale said he never viewed the issue of where the CEDC would be housed as a deal breaker…
January 15, 2020 at 7:29 am, Bill said:
If the CEDC continues on their current trend of destruction and non-completion Caporale and Morriss will regret this union. Us up in Frostburg already feel marginalized by this union. Who’s going to work on our behalf? We don’t need the CEDC destroying our Main Street Community like they have downtown Cumberland.
January 15, 2020 at 12:43 pm, Steve said:
THIS is a HUGE mistake!! The future of this area is doomed for it to ever thrive again. Watch who the winners will be financially.
YOU WILL SEE!!!
January 15, 2020 at 3:24 pm, Paolo Primavera said:
Why don’t we all just do our jobs to the best we can. Then we wouldn’t need to create all these special support groups. There’s TOO MUCH PASSING THE BUCK and NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY for todays workers, bosses, and CEOs. Instead of criticism for others (including our president) let’s give everyone a chance to show us possible a new way and work together with one another. Let’s Make American Great Again and stronger, and more together, and a better place for mankind and womankind.