A new community center under construction at the intersection of Davenport and Cumberland roads in Cumberland is set to open late this fall.

Construction crews are working on the framing and walls of the 5,000-square-foot structure.

The property and project, owned and being constructed by Gary Singh and his wife Pilvinder Kaur, is on over two acres of property that was rezoned from agricultural to business in late 2014 by the county.

The purpose of the community center is to serve the needs of the public, said Singh, for family reunions, meetings, birthday parties and other events.

“We don’t have [anywhere] in Cumberland to go to have

a gathering,” he said. Many event venues in the surrounding areas remain booked for other events and are expensive, Singh said. Though the rental prices will be competitive, he says that the rates could be adjusted for churches and other non-profit organizations.

Once complete, the building will have wide-open space, a kitchen, a serving bar and a portable stage available for events in the community.

He said the community center would benefit Cumberland residents because it would be much closer than other venues. “That’s more convenient for them to have it right there,” Singh said.

Several proffered conditions were agreed to during rezoning process including a stipulation that lighting be directed toward the building and parking areas, away from homes and quiet hours from midnight to 9 a.m.

Singh and his wife own and operate Raman’s and Bear Creek Market in Cumberland.

“Anytime you increase traffic in a community it makes a positive economic impact,” said County Administrator and Attorney Vivian Seay Giles. “We have not quantified that impact, but in my opinion, it’s unquestionable that it would be positive economic impact.”

The county generally supports and welcomes all businesses, she said.