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Resident urges Frostburg to favor people-centered uses on Main Street, criticizes sudden business closures
Summary
Kelly Mears told the council she was concerned about sudden Main Street business closures and urged more timely communication and public 'third-space' placemaking rather than turning sites into parking lots.
Kelly Mears of 58 Linden Street addressed the Frostburg City Council during the open public-comment period on Aug. 27, urging the city to do more to support Main Street vitality and to communicate closures more reliably.
Mears said she has been troubled by recent Main Street businesses closing with little notice to staff and singled out a business connected to Commissioner Carter as an example of employees losing jobs without severance or transition assistance. She said she sympathizes with the difficulty of running a business but urged elected leaders to prioritize people when possible.
Mears also asked the council to encourage redevelopment of the former Au Petit/Le Petite site in ways that create public 'third spaces' — parklets with seating, Wi‑Fi and places to linger — rather than leaving the lot as surface parking. She said she often learns about closures only through Facebook and asked the city to use more reliable communication channels; council members replied that the city website and local media are used and that staff will follow up on agreements with private owners.
The council noted private property owners retain decision authority over privately owned lots but said the city can engage and explore incentives. Mears said she would welcome further follow-up.
