Frostburg officials to OK agreement for building sale

Michael A. Sawyers
Cumberland Times-News

June 23, 2009 11:43 pm

— FROSTBURG — The Frostburg Mayor and Council will conduct a special public meeting Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at The Hangar Restaurant, East Main Street, to approve what is known as a common wall agreement, thus paving the way for the Monday closing of the sale of the old ambulance building.
A common wall agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each owner regarding the shared wall. “It is pretty much about outlining steps for any repair or maintenance of the wall,” said City Administrator John Kirby.
The building, on South Water Street, is being purchased for $50,000 by Barbara Armstrong, whose insurance business is nearby. In 2008, Armstrong said her primary goal is to research and record the history of the building and display items of historical significance. In doing so, Armstrong said she believes she will keep alive the spirit of the building.
Beyond that, however, the use of the structure will become very practical.
Armstrong and husband, John, plan to move into the building while their home is being remodeled during an eight-month span.
After that, options for what Armstrong refers to as the Water Street Fire House are numerous and include a community meeting room complete with kitchen.
Other possibilities include:
• Renting the entire townhouse as a single-family residence.
• Renting the upper level as an apartment and the lower level as commercial space.
Armstrong said the building contains historic firefighting memorabilia, which could be put on display and highlighted by a renovation that would return the facade to the 1912 look, which was the city’s centennial year. Armstrong has speculated that she will invest $200,000 into the project.
The provision of a public meeting room would expand the city’s space devoted to that purpose, considering that City Place and the old ambulance building are attached.
Closing of the sale of the building will take place at attorney Michael Cohen’s office Monday.
Also as part of Wednesday’s gathering at The Hangar Restaurant, the city will sponsor the annual dinner during which volunteers who serve for various boards and commissions are honored.
Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com.