Main Street in Ellicott City to Close for Evaluation: County Executive

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – More than 300 people helped clean up downtown Ellicott City Sunday, according to Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, who said access to Main Street would expand and constrict this week as the town continues recovering from flood damage.

The main artery through historic Ellicott City has been closed since Sunday, July 31, after Howard County experienced more than 6 inches of rain on Saturday, July 30. The flood killed two people and left roads, sidewalks and businesses battered in its wake.

Here is the plan for Main Street this week, according to county officials:

• Monday: Residents and business owners will be allowed to visit their properties. See guidance below.
• Tuesday to Friday: Main Street will be closed so crews can evaluate infrastructure.
• Saturday and Sunday: Main Street should be open for business owners and residents.

The county has a webpage dedicated to the Ellicott City flood recovery with resources and guidance.

Residents and business owners who would like to visit their properties and clean them out should bring ID with them to St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 3695 Rogers Avenue in Ellicott City between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 8. The county will take people by bus to Main Street, starting at noon. Cleanup will be happening until 7:30 p.m.

After Monday's cleanup, Main Street will be closed so surveyors can explore next steps, uninterrupted.

“While we have made great headway, now we need the time to get our experts in to help build a path forward," Kittleman said.

Resources Are Available

To help those who have lost their jobs due to businesses no longer open because of the flood, the Howard County Office of Workforce Development is hosting a job fair on Monday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road.

The Disaster Assistance Center will operate between 2 and 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 8, at the Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road.

• Ellicott City Flood: Howard County Council Extends State of Emergency
• 911 Calls from Ellicott City Flood: 'The Floor's Buckling'
• Ellicott City Business Owner: 'Too Early to Say' What Future Holds for Main Street
• How to Help Ellicott City Flood Victims

Editor's note: This article has bee updated.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.