August 3rd, 2020 by WCBC Radio
Late last year, officials with the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation began plans to have a comprehensive housing analysis for Cumberland conducted. The study has been conducted by Lisa Sturtevant & Associates of Alexandria, Virginia with a cost of the study won’t exceed $65,000. It was originally scheduled to be completed in April- but like most things the time frame has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic- delaying its release. The study includes a needs assessment, including low income needs, and a five-year plan- while also looking at the short- and long-term housing needs in connection with the CEDC’s economic development plans. Housing needs have been a top priority for the Cumberland Mayor and City Council with city officials receiving an overview and analysis of impediments to the Fair Housing Plan at last week’s meeting. Mayor Ray Morriss…
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August 03, 2020 at 9:24 am, Welchy said:
The entire city IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING! Unless it’s free it can’t be cheaper
August 03, 2020 at 11:23 am, mac said:
> Affordable based on what income?
August 03, 2020 at 10:37 am, Homeowner said:
One of the justifications for destroying Rolling Mill was that the city had TOO MUCH affordable housing, and should reduce supply to drive up prices.
Of course, that was according to then-Councilman Kauffman – who was trying to sell his house so he could leave town.
August 03, 2020 at 12:52 pm, Jay said:
Brutal man.
August 03, 2020 at 11:13 am, Brian said:
Why not try to get some rich people trying to escape the big city. Instead of a bunch of criminals from Baltimore
August 03, 2020 at 1:37 pm, Kevin said:
Take a look at recent efforts to make affordable housing. McKaig’s Hill development is having a hard time reselling. The market is below what most people paid to move there – there’s been problems with some construction techniques as well. Ditto Decatur Street. Most of the new townhouses sold for 150K some years ago – a nice unit on the market today for 106K. I do not know if people have been able to buy their homes on the Second street plan that required folks to rent for 7 years and them start buying. They units look really great, but the test is will they be bought and hold value.
Finally, remember the deal that the city gave developer the Mapleside Playground for free to build houses on. Two great houses were built – one owned by the developer. According to record the second one cost 170K to build, on sale now for 209K in an area that rarely sells for over 100 – if that.
We need good housing – but it is hard to make it affordable for our low wage workers to afford and hold on to. This was a reason why the so called holdouts at Rolling Mill held on.
Finally, Mr. Kaufman and his family did a fantastic remodel on their home in Cumberland, near old ALCO. After several years on the market, he lost it to foreclosure. It was a splendid home, beautifully remodeled, but only had one bathroom.
Despite brisk sales in some segments, we are a distressed area for many types of housing.
August 04, 2020 at 7:16 am, j.r. lepley said:
if i could get a fair price out of my house,i would move out of this delapidated city in a flash !!!!!
August 04, 2020 at 11:54 am, Dale Sams said:
What happened as a result of all the previous housing studies that were done?