Local businessmans plan to develop along river gets complicated

CUMBERLAND Local businessman George Merling wants to expand his investment in Cumberland by adding a recreational park along South Johnson Street, complete with a 50-kayak boat dock, vendor stations and a restaurant.

However, his early attempts and access to the levee and river have left him wondering if he will receive cooperation from city officials for his project.

If they let me, I will put in park benches, a couple gazebos, clean it out and make it nice. It will be first-class and on my money, said Merling.

Merling is the owner of Merling Sports at 100 Beall St. His sports souvenir and memorabilia store, which also sells merchandise online, is located in the 15,000-square-foot, three-story brick structure that was the former location of the Loyal Order of the Moose.

This project could add around 20 jobs for the city, said Merling, With some help, I can do it.

Mayor Brian Grim thinks that Merling has an interesting plan.

His ideas and vision is promising. We have to see if we can work through the hurdles, said Grim.

With his business and parking lot located along the Potomac River right off Interstate 68, Merling saw an opportunity. He noticed that the stretch of flat water that runs from the Allegany County Fairgrounds to the Blue Bridge dam is conducive for boating.

Its the most gorgeous 5-mile float. Its perfect for families, said Merling, an avid fisherman.

Merling wants to add steps and a railing up the levee and a wooden ramp down to the waters edge to be used as a boat dock. With a parking lot adjacent to his business, he would add vendors and eventually a restaurant on the second floor of his building.The top of the levee would also become a natural walking path that would connect to George Washingtons Headquarters and the foot bridge to Canal Place.

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Local businessmans plan to develop along river gets complicated