Access To Main Street Opens For Residents, Business Owners

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Main Street business owners, residents and property owners will be granted access to their properties in Ellicott City on Tuesday with trained safety escorts. First, they must get the appropriate credentials by checking in with Howard County government officials.

The public is advised to avoid the Main Street area in historic Ellicott City; Frederick Road remains closed from Ellicott Mills Drive to River Road.

To obtain credentials for Main Street access, people must show they are affiliated with a property by showing their utility bill, valid ID or other documentation as proof. Credentials from the 2016 flood will not be accepted, authorities report.

Once they have received current credentials, Main Street residents and business owners will be driven by trained safety personnel to their properties to document damage and get essential items that they can carry personally.

Each person will be limited to 10 minutes of access, because of the large number of those making trips.

Some properties may not be accessible due to structural and safety concerns, officials say.

Those planning on getting credentials and making trips to Main Street should follow these guidelines:

• Wear long pants, long sleeves and closed-toed shoes, preferably hiking or over-the-ankle work boots.
• Bring a flashlight; the power is out.
• Work gloves and eye protection are recommended.

HAPPENING NOW: Business owners + residents are being escorted to Main St in #EllicottCity to see what is left inside their buildings after Sunday’s devastating flooding. They only have 10 minutes to get what they can. Many businesses facing more damage than 2 years ago. #ECFlood pic.twitter.com/eyoj8TfUpK
— Ryan Hughes (@ABC7Hughes) May 29, 2018

Credentialing and escorted trips to Main Street are taking place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, at the George Howard Building at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City. Only residents, business owners and property owners who have required documentation will be granted credentials.

• Process Begins For Getting Towed Vehicles Back From Ellicott City
• Scenes From Flooded Ellicott City: Video And Photos
• Ellicott City Flood: How To Help And Where To Get Assistance

Photo of barricade on Maryland Avenue on May 28, 2018, by Elizabeth Janney.