The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Monday is expected to approve the project framework for a proposed multipurpose events center.
The framework was approved April 20 by the county’s Crown Event Center Committee. The framework outlines the process for site selection, design and construction of the multipurpose events center, which will replace the aging Crown Theatre and Crown Arena.
The item is listed under the board’s consent agenda.
The board meets at 9 a.m. in Room 118 of the Cumberland County Courthouse.
Also Monday, Health Director Jennifer Green is expected to give the board an overview of the opioid settlement and what Cumberland County is doing to determine funding strategies.
In July, state Attorney General Josh Stein announced a $26 million opioid settlement agreement that will help communities affected by the opioid epidemic. Cumberland County is expected to receive $16.9 million over 18 years, according to background material in the agenda packet.
Green’s presentation is for information only.
With the multipurpose events center, the county is looking to build an 89,000-square-foot center with a maximum capacity of 2,500 for events such as concerts, comedy shows, Broadway performances and other events.
The estimated cost in 2021 dollars was $75 million to $80 million. That does not include the purchase of a site, the county has said. The county would like it to open in fall 2025.
The theater and arena are expected to close in November 2025.
During the April 20 meeting, committee members asked for clarification on the budget, including whether it needs to be adjusted for inflation and supply chain turbulence, a county spokeswoman said. The committee also said it wants to add members of the community to the community engagement subcommittee.
