Tear down the Footer Dye Works Building in Downtown Cumberland, Maryland!

Despite the March 12, 2013 vote of only three members of the Cumberland City Council - David Kauffman, Nick Scarpelli and Dave Caporale - the citizens of Cumberland have spoken in favor of demolishing the Footer Dye Works (otherwise known as "HAJOCA" building).  Mayor Brian Grim and Councilwoman Nicole Wagoner appropriately did not vote on the matter due to conflicts related to other positions that they hold.

The Footer Dye Works is an impediment to development at Canal Place in Downtown Cumberland. It is preventing economic development and has received interest from 0 of the 19 developers who recently requested information about it on an advertised RFP.  The private sector has spoken by refusing to bid on making the building useful once again!

It is a physical hazard to pedestrian traffic below, as pieces of the building have crumbled onto the sidewalk, including bricks falling from above.  It projects a very negative, neglected and blighted view of Cumberland to passers-by on Interstate 68, and it has been a consistent money pit for state tax payer dollars. It should be razed - not preserved - to allow for development of the site, as it is currently a physical obstruction between Canal Place and Downtown Cumberland.

It should not be on the National Register of Historic Places, as this designation creates another impediment to the necessary demolition of the building.

Please do NOT put the Footer Dye Works on the National Historic Register.  Please tear it down for the sake of Cumberland, Maryland!  Please stand up in favor of economic development in Cumberland and start by razing this building to make room for development that would benefit the citizens of Cumberland!