By Debra Messick

The Board of Directors of Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. (CWDI) announced that it “regretfully” accepted the resignation of founding board member Rich Zeidman, effective at the close of CWDI’s Wednesday, May 23, board meeting.

“Rich’s skills, contacts and guidance have successfully led us through the critical initial phase of development,” said Frank Narr, CWDI’s current secretary/treasurer, founding board member and current CWDI appointee. “The value he brought was significant.”

Zeidman was appointed in 2018 by the city of Cambridge, which reappointed him in 2021.

In his resignation letter, Zeidman wrote,

“Former Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley made it clear those six-and-a-half years ago that my appointment was based on my years of legal experience in the land development sector. I have used my experience and contacts to help CWDI create a top-notch development team with consultants from the development, design and financing sectors. Most recently, CWDI finalized negotiations for a large expansion of an existing maritime business, and a new $30M boutique hotel. These milestones all but behind CWDI, and my desire to spend my retirement years actually in retirement, have led to my decision to offer my resignation.”

According to the CWDI board statement, “Zeidman’s proven leadership as managing partner of a law firm with practice areas in land development and public-private partnerships made him an obvious choice to be CWDI’s President, a role he filled for six years. His dedication and impact will have positive lasting effects on CWDI and the development of Cambridge Harbor.”

Fellow board members had additional accolades about Zeidman to share. Shay Lewis-Sisco, CWDI vice president and city appointee, said,  “It has been nice serving with Rich, whose contributions and expertise have been insightful to my learning.”

“Rich’s knowledge and experience have been invaluable,” said Angie Hengst, CWDI president and county appointee. “We’re grateful for his service to the community through his place on the CWDI board these past six years.”

CWDI has notified the city of Mr. Zeidman’s resignation. “We look forward to working with city leadership on filling the resulting vacancy through the processes described in our bylaws,” said Matt Leonard, CWDI executive director. “And we are optimistic that we can have a productive and successful mediation with the city next week.”

According to the statement, CWDI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit development corporation and public-private partnership between the State of Maryland, Dorchester County, City of Cambridge, and CWDI. Each appoints members to CWDI’s seven-member all volunteer Board of Directors. CWDI is charged with developing the Cambridge waterfront through a community-first approach consistent with the community’s long-term vision.