Economic Development Blog
Catch-up on the latest economic development news and events in Allegany County. Be the first to learn about local updates in housing, investment, and business oriented programs and events by signing up for our newsletter and receiving posts directly to your inbox.
- 7/12/2024Housing
Five Apartments Come to Polk Street Using Invest Allegany Grant
107 Polk Street, an architectural landmark in Downtown Cumberland, is stepping into a new era. Using the Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) Invest Allegany grant, the former Junior Masonic Lodge has undergone a transformative refurbishment, creating five modern, market-rate apartments. This construction is part of a strategic effort to revitalize vacant and underused properties in Allegany County. Hunter Abell is a third-generation contractor and President of his family’s construction business, Jack Abell, Inc. The firm has a long history in Cumberland, Maryland, where it was established in 1978. Originally purchased as a personal property, Abell bought the building in 2005 and saved funds to renovate it to its former glory. - 6/20/2024Housing
N Mechanic Street Welcomes New Residential Opportunities
As Allegany County continues to develop and expand, the demand for residential housing options grows. Responding to this need, the Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) Invest Allegany grant program provides a financial conduit to spur adaptive reuse projects in the county’s downtown and main street areas. The program incentivizes the conversion of vacant or underutilized downtown spaces into viable mixed-use properties to help create housing options and boost business.N Mechanic Street, a principal thoroughfare alongside downtown Cumberland’s Wills Creek, will soon host three new apartments in upper-level space that had previously been commercial offices using funding from Invest Allegany. The building is under refurbishment by the North Mechanic, LLC. team, John Macy and Constance (Connie) LePrevost. - 6/06/2024Housing
Cumberland Department of Community Development to Bring Over Twenty New Housing Units
A strategic initiative is underway in Cumberland to accelerate blight removal and transform underutilized spaces into market-rate housing. Through the Infill Development Incentive Program, jointly established by the City of Cumberland and Allegany County, the City is poised to welcome over twenty much-needed housing units.“For decades, the declining population has led to a lot of unlivable, blighted properties in Cumberland,” shares Ken Tressler, Director of Administrative Services for the City of Cumberland. The City implemented a Nuisance Property Removal Program in 2014, which was renamed the Neighborhood Revitalization Program in July 2021. Since the program's initiation, the City has acquired over one hundred unlivable properties through tax foreclosure, donations, or acquisition. - 5/21/2024Economics
Geocycle’s New Allegany County Pre-Processing Plant Transforms Waste into Resources
Geocycle officially opened its pre-processing facility in Cumberland on May 16, 2024, marking the company’s 197th location worldwide. The new facility will convert unusable waste products into viable fuels, creating local jobs and providing an environmentally sound waste removal option for local and regional manufacturing businesses.“Geocycle’s investment in Allegany County is a big deal,” shares Jeffrey Barclay, director of Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD). “They are a multi-billion dollar company with a global presence. Not only does Geocycle bring jobs and living wages to our community, but their status as a key industry player brings attention to Allegany County’s growing notoriety in the circular economy.” - 5/10/2024Community
Tasting Traditions: Ristorante Ottaviani Keeps Business a Family Affair
Ristorante Ottaviani believes that family and community are the same. As it approaches its 17th year in business, the classic Italian restaurant continues to serve authentic recipes, employ family members across the generations, and welcome all visitors to Cumberland as if they are a part of the Ottaviani family. “Family is at the center of everything we do,” shares founder Adrienne Ottaviani. “Whether that is with our staff or those who come in to eat—everyone becomes family with us.” Now under her son Tony’s ownership, the restaurant has branched into new ventures with the Ottaviani’s Tasting Room and Lounge, next door to the original restaurant. - 4/17/2024Economics
Celebrating the Growing Arts Community in Cumberland
Cumberland is emerging as a thriving artistic community in Western Maryland. Thomas and Rebecca Ferleman, owners of the Ferleman Art Gallery located on Centre Street, are spearheading an initiative to cement Cumberland's reputation as a vibrant creative hub. Their plans include relocating to a larger venue, which will double as a communal center and an incubator for artists, aficionados, and collectors alike.“We looked all over the East Coast for somewhere to put the gallery and fell in love with Cumberland’s vibrant arts community,” said Thomas. “There are nationally recognized artists located right in Allegany County. They’ve created a creative home for many, including Western Maryland’s significant collector community." - 4/12/2024Jobs
P-Tech Helps Allegany County Students and Businesses Prosper in Tech
In its seventh year, the Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-Tech) program has empowered high school students to attain cybersecurity degrees alongside real-life work experience. With eleven alumni and another twelve students set to graduate this May, the program is forging a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity workers in Allegany County. This initiative aims to bolster Western Maryland as an up-and-coming technology-centered region.Allegany County Public Schools (ACPS) and the Western Maryland IT Center of Excellence (IT Center) established the program in 2017. It is one of the seven P-Tech programs currently established in Maryland. - 3/28/2024Economics
Craft Brews and Birdies: Locust Post Brewery Welcomes Disc Golf to Allegany County
Located along the eastern edge of Allegany County, Locust Post Brewery welcomes visitors into the area’s vast world of craft beer and outdoor recreation. The brewery's 26-acre property creates a unique farmstead-style experience, hosting a regionally-recognized disc golf course that attracts visitors across the tri-state area.Denise and Tony Cornwell, owners of Locust Post Brewery, were inspired to include a course on their property during the establishment's early development phases. Denise Cornwell shares, “It’s a great day when you can enjoy a beer and play a round of disc golf.”Following the completion of the main brewery building in 2021, Denise and Tony shifted their focus toward incorporating a course to complement their visitors' experience. Cultivation Disc Golf, located in nearby Frederick, Maryland, designed a nine-basket course for Locust Post Brewery. The par-three course is designed for players of all skill levels — from amateurs to proficient players. - 3/19/2024Community
Runners’ Wings Moves Fitness and Community Forward
Committed to creating meaningful impact, Runners’ Wings has become a champion for fitness, inclusivity, and community spirit in greater Western Maryland. The downtown Frostburg store, owned by Laura Byrnes, offers a range of athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories for patrons with all mobility and fitness levels.Driven by her personal passion for running, Byrnes shared her enthusiasm for the sport with her daughters, Maddie and Molly Offstein. In 2023, she opened Runners’ Wings as a way for her daughter, Molly, to reconnect with the running community after a near-fatal accident left her unable to pursue the sport further. The store's ethos is deeply rooted in Molly's resilience and the family’s love of the sport. - 3/13/2024Community
Hooley Pub Crawl Brings Business to Downtown Cumberland
In its 25th year, the Hooley Pub Crawl draws crowds from Allegany County and beyond to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with food, drink, and entertainment. The event invites visitors to patronize 22 participating establishments in downtown, north, and south Cumberland and explore the region's attractions. The Pub Crawl begins on Saturday, March 16th, at 12:00 pm and continues through 1:00 am the next day. “This has been a long-standing tradition in Downtown Cumberland,” shares Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Commission, which is coordinating and promoting the event. “The Hooley Pub Crawl is always well attended and important for downtown foot traffic. This year is especially important since construction has limited pedestrians to the area.” She continues, “We’re encouraging everyone to come downtown, have a great time, and support the local businesses.”