From Staff Reports
OAKLAND — The Garrett County commissioners announced Thursday that a tentative agreement has been reached on a portion of the former county roads department property in Oakland.
Nearly 3 acres of the 67.31-acre parcel are expected to be sold to Greg and Sheri Mortimer of Dream on Enterprises for a Grill & Chill Dairy Queen Franchise and a building expansion of Clear Mountain Bank’s Oakland Branch.
“These projects will provide additional amenities for Oakland area residents and visitors and improve the overall appearance of the gateway to Oakland,” Denny Glotfelty, county commission chairman, said. “With the activity generated by these businesses, I’m optimistic that we will be able to find other businesses interested in the balance of the property.”
The plans for the Grill & Chill Dairy Queen franchise will include a 78-seat restaurant on eight-tenths of an acre that will employ approximately 50 full-time people with an investment of about $1.5 million.
Plans are to begin construction within the next 30 days for a March opening. The Grill & Chill is new to the Dairy Queen brand and is an upscale fast-food restaurant.
“We’re very excited at this opportunity to establish a Grill & Chill in Oakland and to become a more active member of the Oakland community,” Greg Mortimer said.
He said he plans to start hiring managers immediately and nonmanagement em-ployees after Jan. 1.
Clear Mountain Bank plans to purchase about 1.8 acres for the construction of a 10,000-square foot facility, a capital investment of $2.5 million. Plans include doubling its staff in Oakland.
“We are very excited about the new location,” Brian Thomas, president and CEO of Clear Mountain Bank, said. “As we began to outgrow our current office, we started the process of searching for the right place to build a new, larger bank. We wanted to limit the impact that relocation could have had on our clients and employees. This new location is perfect for our needs. It is close to our current office, provides easier access for customers and will allow us to continue to grow our business and add new services.”
Thomas added that the commissioners and the county department of economic development have been instrumental in helping to expand the business.
The county roads garage has been vacant since the department moved to a new facility just off state Route 135 east of Mountain Lake Park.
