While times have often been tough for the community author Donald Dale Jackson referred to as a “sleepy, little river huggin town of fire department picnics and car chasing dogs,” 2023 saw the culmination of years of efforts to upgrade both the centuries-old water and sewer system. A very necessary step for the mainly residential community.
Mayor Will White said not only was the water system upgraded but service was extended to residents of Rolling Rock Road. A multi-year project, the upgrade cost $2.1 million and many years of planning were devoted to making it happen. Also, In the final stages of being completed, is the $2 million upgrade to the City’s Sewage system which also had pipes nearing a century old .
White said the split of the Racetrack Video Lottery Net Terminal Income with the County mandated by a bill passed in the 2023 legislative session has resulted in an additional $7,500.00/week coming to the community, enabling them to pursue much needed projects. The most recent is the demolishment of the former Mary Porter property on Ridge Ave. The property was not only an eyesore, but a safety hazard and by demolishing it, the property will be used for much-needed parking for the Community House and the Mason Lodge. The money from the Racetrack Video Lottery also enabled them to purchase the former New Cumberland Vending building on River Avenue from Dave Ewing and convert the building into the City Building. The former New Cumberland School, acquired from the Board of Education for $1, has proven to be a money pit and has been placed up for auction.
With the potential for new business and job opportunities in neighboring communities, 2023 saw progress and improvements in its existing buildings. The Graham Building on the red light corner. was purchased by developer Bryce Custer with plans to convert to offices or other business. Long empty, the Wickes Restaurant building has been purchased by the Cotrills, according to White and will be serving breakfast and lunch. The red-brick Phillips building adjacent to Wicks is being refurbished for offices and apartments. An old landmark and eyesore, a building which has served as a movie theatre, barber shop, jewelry store, post office and most recently church, has been demolished on South Chester Street. Owned by Ken Lash, the property will be home to storage units. 2023 saw the opening of the Hancock County Health Department in upper town and Bradley Brothers bring their appliance business to New Cumberland.
As the New Cumberland prepares to get the s-curve at the bottom of Station Hill straightened out by the State Road, improvements to the City Park will be a result of the State taking some of the land by imminent domain. White also said that Del. Pat McGeehan has indicated New Cumberland will receive $1.5 million to black top and pave its streets.
As New Cumberland looks to 2024, White is optimistic that the new Form Energy plant and development of a Nucor Transloading Facility and other ancillary businesses will have an even greater impact on New Cumberland.
NEXT: We take a look at the growth in Chester and the impact the closing of the Jenning Randolph Bridge may have on its economy.
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