Jun. 28—CUMBERLAND — City officials will consider how to prevent crime yet maintain an inviting environment for visitors downtown.

The issue was raised Thursday, at a quarterly town hall to provide updates on the construction project, because of a stabbing that happened on Baltimore Street earlier this week.

“It is a public space,” Downtown Development Commission Executive Director Melinda Kelleher said. “We have to be welcoming to all.”

However, “we’re not gonna tolerate violence,” she said and added loitering ordinances are under review as a possible solution to a vagrancy problem. “It is on our radar.”

Another topic at the town hall was possible ways to block traffic from entering the new stretch of Baltimore Street as needed for special events.

“We might try a couple of things and see what works best,” Kelleher said.

‘Finish line’

Cumberland Director of Engineering and Utilities Robert Smith said various possibilities are under consideration.

“We are still evaluating some options,” he said and added the city’s street department will be part of any plans. “It’s still somewhat of a work in progress.”

The $16 million renovation, led by Triton Construction, of St. Albans, West Virginia, includes new infrastructure beneath Baltimore Street and replacement of a pedestrian mall with a one-way street for car and bicycle traffic.

Funding plans for the project started in 2016 and sources include the Maryland transportation department, Appalachian Regional Commission and state grants.

Construction started in April 2023 and is expected to be finished by fall.

Matt Idleman, the city’s deputy director of engineering, said the project is on schedule.

“We’re approaching the finish line now,” he said and added barricades have been removed. “Things are staying on track.”

Pavers are being installed on North Centre Street and have been placed in parking lots, he said.

Work at the intersection at Mechanic and Baltimore streets, along with crosswalks, was expected to soon be complete, Idleman said.

Asphalt paving will happen on the George Street side of the project next week, he said and added roadway pavers are set to be installed on Baltimore Street.

Electric work continues to happen in various spots, and light poles will begin to arrive in August, Idleman said.

He said “99% of the trees are in.”

Due to ongoing construction vehicle activity in the area, Centre and Liberty streets can’t open anytime soon, Idleman said.

Water fountains for people and pups have been installed, Kelleher said.

“We are a dog-friendly community,” she said.

Kelleher said the next town hall will likely be held in September with more details to come.

A grand reopening ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Nov. 14 at the Baltimore and Mechanic streets intersection.

A community day celebration with live music and activities is planned for Nov. 16.

Teresa McMinn is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. She can be reached at 304-639-2371.