Published: December 05, 2008 08:44 am      

Frostburg gains state approval for arts, entertainment district

Officials expect designation to provide same positive impact as it did in Cumberland

FROSTBURG — An arts and entertainment district in Frostburg was approved this week by Maryland’s business agency, paving the way for tax breaks and other economic incentives for artists who renovate and then create their works in homes there.

City officials expect the approval by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development of the 98-acre district to have the same positive impacts as a similar, 5-year-old district in Cumberland where successful renovations have taken place.

“It would operate somewhat like our enterprise zone, whereby there would be a percentage tax break for so many years for the proper kinds of development,” said Frostburg City Administrator John Kirby.

The district includes Main Street from the post office to Bowery and reaches down connector streets to the Frostburg State University campus, a portion of which is in the district. The Frostburg Museum and the Frostburg Depot are included as well.

Evan Offstein, the FSU professor who directed a yearlong planning and application process for the district, said Thursday that approval is a step in the right direction, both economically and for the quality of life.

“Yes, it will likely attract artists here, but more importantly it will offer an opportunity for our local talented artists who already live here to showcase their works,” Offstein said.

Both Offstein and Kirby pointed out the complex involvement of numerous stakeholders, about 40, representing the university, business community, government and artists.

Direction by Andy Vick, executive director of the Allegany Arts Council, was invaluable, they agreed.

“Every A&E District is different, and each community has the ability to shape its district into whatever it wants and needs it to be, in order to be successful,” Vick said. “The Allegany Arts Council is committed to working with the stakeholders in Frostburg to ensure that Allegany County’s newest A&E district realizes its full potential for artistic enrichment, economic development and community revitalization.”

Frostburg Mayor Arthur Bond said he was particularly pleased to receive notice of the approval from DBED Secretary David Edgerley, a former development professional with Allegany County during the time Bond was a county commissioner.

Jerilyn Jackson, Frostburg’s Main Street manager, said the arts community in the Mountain City is already a strong one and the new designation will help it grow stronger.

“Our arts walk in October was an amazing success. There were hundreds of people on Main Street. We had many people tell us that it felt like it was Main Street in the 1960s again,” Jackson said.

Maryland is the only state with arts and entertainment districts that offer economic advantages, organizers have said.

Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com.