CAMBRIDGE, Md. - The future of a controversial property in Cambridge is in question.
City leaders are asking for help in deciding what to do with the old Club Du-Jour property. The building stands at 601 Chesapeake Ct.
Before tonight's meeting, ideas proposed on flyers were tiny homes, affordable senior living, retail, residential, or a community center. It was also suggested that the building stay up, and have it renovated. On the flyer, they also asked how it should be maintained or funded.
Those like Jaron Jones who live no more than 100 yards from the vacant building, want to see something there for the kids. "Like a community center for the kids. Something to get them off the streets. Give them something to do," says Jones.
Jones says he doesn't want something like they've seen in the past. "The crime went up when there was a nightclub there. There was a shooting over there. I don't want to see that again," says Jones.
Laurel Atkiss, who also attended tonight's meeting, wants to see something good for the community. "I don't want to see any chain restaurants. I know that we have a need for more housing in the area. We have homelessness that needs to be addressed. We have low-income housing that needs to be addressed. And, we have a workforce housing shortage, as well. There is a benefit to bringing in some housing. But at the same time, we have so much diversity and history in Cambridge. We need to listen to a little bit to what the community has to say," says Atkiss.
The City of Cambridge bought this property in Sept.
A meeting to discuss its future was held at the Elks Lodge on 618 Pine St.