Recently, Cambridge Facebook users came across a WBOC TV report that the City Council was taking up a proposal by Commissioner Brett Summers aiming at fining the owners of long-vacant storefronts on Race Street, “a corridor city officials describe as central to downtown’s economic health.” Facebook commenters had a lot to say in response. But, before we get to those comments, let’s take a few paragraphs and review the last twenty-some years of Downtown Cambridge.
By 1900, this city had become a major Eastern Shore hub thanks to shipping, canning, and packing. Through the first half of the last century, Downtown Cambridge was the place to be for food, shopping, and entertainment. But the closing of Phillips Packing Company in the Sixties triggered long-term economic decline that led to vacant storefronts and diminished downtown activity that persisted for several decades.
Then, in the late 2000s, local entrepreneurs with deep roots here began reinvesting in downtown. Cambridge native Amanda Bramble opened Jimmie & Sooks Raw Bar and Grill on Race Street in 2009 with the goal of helping to make the city successful. Indeed, the Chesapeake-themed restaurant became an early anchor of the new revitalization movement, with its success encouraging others to move in. Thus, a single authentic business helped reframe downtown as viable again.
Securing a solid collection of restaurants had a lasting impact, because it made sense for downtown diners to stroll and patronize the surrounding shops. In order to draw in more visitors, the Cambridge Main Street organization, led in the mid-2010s by Brandon Hesson (now assistant city manager), developed a flurry of events including Taste of Cambridge and the Beer Festival. Showing our unique town to be a cool gathering place helped lower risk perceptions for potential investors. And, as an arts-themed location with eclectic, independent retail stores and an emphasis on heritage, Cambridge leaned into what made it different from the other waterfront towns.
The unexpected shuttering of three downtown restaurants by renowned Chef Patrick Fanning in 2019–The High Spot, Stoked, and Rock Lobstah—was shocking, but Cambridge Main Street’s executive director, Katie Clendaniel tried to convince the community that it was nothing to worry about. Magazines and websites hailed Cambridge as “cute and quaint” and worth getting off Route 50 for a long weekend or holiday retreat. Potential visitors were informed that the “Soul of the Shore” had a down-to-earth environment and lively arts scene.
But even a considerable financial commitment in the Harrington & Bayly Building on Race Street and the Johnson Building on Poplar Street with the intention of pivoting toward residential reinvestment couldn’t remove the vacancy signs in so many old store windows. There was still a shadow over the once-thriving downtown.
Now, there is Brett Summers’ proposal to penalize landlords who don’t fill those storefronts, and Facebook-using locals are airing their opinions about the situation. The comments fall into a few very clear themes, which you’ll find below.
Desire for More Variety & Family-Friendly Uses
Commenters complained that Downtown Cambridge is too focused on bars and food establishments. They want more places for families and children to enjoy. Aspirational ideas included a gaming lounge, a mini-mall, and a vintage record store. The more nostalgic pined for a big anchor retail store and a skating rink.
Crime & Perception of Safety
One person called Cambridge “a struggling ghetto” that is “full of gun fire and gun spotters going off weekly.” She later added that “juvenile delinquency is skyrocketing, look at car thefts and break ins.” Another commenter agreed that “the crime rate is dragging the town down. Families are steering clear of the school district because kids are fighting and the gang activity is crazy.” Whether or not this is exaggerated, some argued, the perception alone discourages customers and investors.
High Rents, Landlords, & Property Issues
Rents were widely seen among commenters as too high for foot traffic and seasonal tourism. They said rent economics don’t match market reality, making retail nearly impossible and discouraging long-term tenants. One person even took aim at Commissioner Summers as “the main one with the buildings that’s [sp] empty. But now he’s on the council, he wants to start this crap.”
Online Shopping & Structural Retail Decline
Amazon, Temu, and other online retailers were cited as killing brick-and-mortar viability and making small-town retail especially difficult. Some argued that empty storefronts are economic reality rather than policy failure. There was considerable skepticism about reviving traditional retail at all.
Government & Business Climate
Several commenters claimed Cambridge is anti-business because of taxes, fees, and regulations as well as decisions of the City Council that create a burdensome environment for small businesses. One person suggested that “Dorchester County needs to get off that good old boy mentality, which will never happen. New people with different mind sets are discouraged.”
Political & Racial Commentary
There were a few reactive, ideological comments that were not solution-oriented. One man griped, “Y’all lefties will find the dumbest things to complain about,” while another said, “That’s Democrats. Tell you what to do with your property and charge for it.” Obviously, neither is aware that Brett Summers is conservative. But another point of attack had to do with race: “blacks shooting blacks in their neighborhood” and “writing things like BLACK LIVES MATTER on the streets don’t [sp] help.”
Pride, Optimism, & Community Defense
While some fatalists called Cambridge a “dead town” where redevelopment efforts are pointless, a few pushed back against the negativity. One in particular said, “I dislike it when people talk badly about Cambridge. Every town and city has their issues. Negative attitudes and words manifest reality. I love living here and yes, there have been some mishaps. But I can honestly say I have enjoyed all of my interactions within the community.”
Despite some bitter exchanges, the broad consensus here is that people in Cambridge want improvement but disagree deeply on who to blame and what model will work. The key tension is whether downtown’s future lies in traditional retail revival; experience-based, family-friendly destinations; or a different, smaller role altogether.
As an older adult living right on Race St in the downtown area, I can tell you that we need more police presence in and around these streets. I have, every day, people hanging around (selling and/or buying), yelling obscenities down the block, homeless sleeping in the corners of common areas, public urination, panhandling, etc. I had someone yell the other night, speaking about my dog, that they were going to “kill that bitch”. Do you feel safe walking around on Race St after dark? No. Do we see regular police drive throughs? Also no. Where the police are needed and WANTED is where they are not. I understand that they are nervous too but, as someone who has family in law enforcement, that is what you are supposed to be doing – identifying the problem and working towards resolution. When I was a child, Cambridge was a great little town. Now, we are the armpit of the Eastern Shore. Work on securing a safe environment for your citizens and the rest will follow
Newby here and could see downtown empty store fronts become:
– improv/comedy clubs
– playhouses from small plays
– a children’s science museum
– a makers space for diy-ers
– a co-op health food store and deli
– a bicycle/scooter co-op (where members have a place to work on them – since not everyone can afford a car)
– shared kitchens with eating areas for start ups.
– indoor farmers market
– Once a week Summer time live music at the park (corner of Cedar and Race Streets). Could have part of the street closed for food trucks
– Used book stores
It’s too bad that there are so many absentee landlords just sitting on these downtown properties as nothing more than tax shelters! Fining them will hopefully motivate them to get businesses in their space or sell the properties to someone that will. A much better prospect for the livelihood of Cambridge.
Let’s forget about blame and work together let’s be at the local city and County meetings when possible to collaborate