Jan. 18, 2002
 
 According to WCBC radio, Annapolis developer and lobbyist Kevin Bell’s application for federal aid in constructing a low income housing project in South Cumberland has been rejected.
 
 We don’t know why the state of Maryland, through which the federal money is distributed, gave a thumbs-down to the project, but it did. (State officials will only discuss the application’s rejection with Mr. Bell.)
 
 Whatever the reason, the people of Cumberland, and especially South Cumberland, can breathe a sigh of relief. The 60-unit project was to be built on a relatively small parcel of land on 4th Street near Wempe Drive. Residents of South Cumberland - as well as other parts of town - protested the city’s support of the project on a number of fronts, from neighborhood congestion, to its proximity to another large low income housing project just a block from the proposed site, to the city’s 14% vacancy rate in its present housing stock.
 
 Over 500 people - approximately 570 - signed a petition that was presented to city officials protesting the project.
 
 While we don’t know what swayed state officials in their decision making, we can speculate that the level of concern voiced by city residents may have played a role. Copies of the petition were sent to both state and federal officials, and residents wrote letters as well.
 
 The desire of the people of South Cumberland to be heard, to be part of the process, may have made a difference.
 
 What’s happened with the 4th Street project is indicative of something that’s changing in our community. People are no longer willing to sit by because a project is “a done deal.” Citizens are beginning to understand the fact that this is THEIR community, and they have every right to speak up and be heard.
 
 That willingness to participate in the process is making a difference. And that’s what will move this community forward.
 
 As we approach city, county and state elections next fall, we hope the spirit that inspired the people of South Cumberland to speak up for their beliefs will lead citizens throughout the county to speak their minds.
 
 Participating in the electoral process is one of the best methods we can employ in making sure every voice is heard.
 
 Mr. Bell may decide he wants to try again to build his apartment project in Cumberland; he can re-apply in either the spring or fall. If he does, according to WCBC’s report, he will have to begin the process anew, getting yet another Resolution in support of the project from the Mayor and City Council.
 
 If he does, that’s fine. The people of Cumberland will be a voice in the process.