Where we’ve been, where we’re going 

 In 1787, the Maryland General Assembly made the wise move of establishing the town of Cumberland through an act passed during that legislative session.  Of course, that act simply provided the stamp of officialdom to a community that had been in existence, in one form or another, for thousands of years. 

Artifacts pointing to civilizations in existence before the time of Christ have been found in the area, so we can only assume that people have been living here forever, a fact that those of us who now live at the confluence of Wills Creek and the Potomac River can understand, given the level of natural beauty that surrounds us. 

For generations an American Indian village, then a western outpost of roughshod cabins established by European Americans, Cumberland eventually became a stop for many in the push west.  In this role, the city grew into a transportation hub, first as the starting point of the first National Road - now known as Route 40, or National Highway - and then as home to numerous railroads and the western terminus of the famous C&O Canal. 

As the city raced through the 19th century and into the 20th, it became less dependent on railroads as more industry moved to the area.  Glass manufacturing and brewing were big, as were tires and steel. 

Cumberland experienced the same fate as many American cities in the latter quarter of the 20th century; many industries closed their doors, battering the local populace.  But the natives here are resilient if nothing else, so Cumberland looked around and noticed that a lot of people traditionally traveled here for our rich history.  Small firms began to crop up focusing on the tourism trade, and Cumberland was off and running into its next era. 

The economy continued to perk up as a number of technological firms moved to the area.  The future looks brighter now than it has in years, essentially because we have something here most people want - a quality of life hard to come by today. 

So come along, and we'll show you our town, a beautiful little city nestled among the Appalachian Mountains, home to those who seek tranquillity, peace, and friendly neighbors.  

City Vital Signs 

Items of Interest for Those Wishing to Move their Large ( or small) Companies to a city with an innovative, self sufficient workforce: 

Utilities: City supplies water and sewer services, electricity by Allegheny Power, natural gas by Columbia Gas of Maryland. 
Other City Services of Note: Full time police and fire departments  
Create the Workforce You Want: How to accomplish this mammoth task?  Try Allegany College.  A few years back, this local community college took up the gauntlet in training the local workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.  Through its Center for Continuing Education, Allegany College works with local employers in molding employees for an individual employer's 
workplace. 
The initial consultation is free and provides a basic assessment of your training needs.  From there, the school will design and implement your training programs, which will make your life a lot easier.  Topics covered range from core business topics (accounting, marketing, etc.) to areas such as sexual harassment awareness, management development, customer service and sales and licensure and certification. 
In addition, the school is involved in the state Interactive Distance Learning Network, which allows Allegany College students to participate in course work in classrooms all over the state.  Need some hard-to-find training?  If Allegany College doesn't have it on-site, they can probably find a program for you through the Interactive Distance Learning Network.  Also allows users to network with others in their industry, and with professional and industrial associations without leaving town.  Cool. 

And Don't Forget FSU: Not only does Cumberland have Allegany College, the city also has access to Frostburg State University just 10 miles away.  Two computer labs on campus provide training opportunities for area businesses, the school's Center for Regional Progress offers technical and research assistance, its Western Maryland Regional Geographic Information Systems Center provides infrastructure delineation and environmental assessment graphics, and conference facilities are available with long-distance interactive meeting sites. 

And While We're on the Subject of Schools: 

To Your Health 

Number of hospitals: two, now sister agencies in the Western Maryland Health System. 
The city established Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, now a 222 bed facility, and the Daughters of Charity founded Sacred Heart Hospital, which has 240 beds.  The health care system here consists of a sizable network of physicians - over 200 - who practice over 30 medical specialties.  We also have the Allegany County Health Department, which offers services for patients of all ages, the Thomas B. Finan Center provides mental health care, the Brandenburg Center offers care for developmentally disabled adults, and we have day care facilities for people afflicted with mental illness and mental retardation through the Archway agency and the Friends Aware agency, respectively. 

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Welcome to the Engineering Division's web pages

To browse the Division's pages please select a link to the left; or select a link at the top to return to the main sections of the City of Cumberland's site.

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City of Cumberland 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan

Cover
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Institutional Structure
Affordable Housing
2005-2009 Housing Needs
2005-2009 Homeless Needs
2005-2009 Public Housing Needs
2005-2009 Community Development
2005-2009 Economic Development
2005-2009 Historic Preservation
Anti-poverty Strategy
Appendix 1 2 3
Appendix 4
Map - Low-moderate Income Concentration
Map - 2005 CDBG Projects in Relation to Minority Concentrations
Map - Community Betterment Neighborhood Areas
Appendix 5
Appendix 6
 

ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT SCHEDULED

The Cumberland Parks & Recreation Department will sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 2^nd at Constitution Park.  The “hunt” will begin at 1P.M.  It is open to all area youngsters, pre-schoolers through fourth grade.  These kids will be divided into four age groups with each group hunting in a designated area.  An area for preschool kids will feature activities.  It will be set up within the lighted tennis courts.  Parking is available at the ballfield.

Although the Recreation Department sponsors the hunt, much of the work is done by a volunteer group of 4H members.  These young people will be hiding 120 dozen plastic treat-filled eggs within the three hunting areas. The 4H group is under the direction of Jody Parrish.  The 4H Hare raisers club will set up a petting zoo of goats and bunnies in the parking lot of the tennis courts.

Prizes donated by area businesses, individuals, and the Recreation Department will be awarded at the conclusion of the hunt. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand with treats for all children.  Parents are encouraged to attend the egg hunt and bring along their camera.  Plastic Easter bags will be available for children participating, to store eggs in.

Rain date for Friday’s event will be announced. .