4 buildings on Main Street Ellicott City set to be demolished early next year
While some buildings on Main Street in Ellicott City have been rescued, four buildings will be removed under the current flood mitigation plan.
Howard County officials and area contractors answered questions and provided an update on the current status of Ellicott City’s flood mitigation plans.
OMCP / Valerie Bonk
The plan is to make room for the northern tunnel.
OMCP / Valerie Bonk
The plans are currently undergoing a federal review process, which is expected to be approved in September.
OMCP / Valerie Bonk
While some buildings on Main Street in Ellicott City, Maryland have been rescued, four buildings will be removed under the current flood mitigation plan.
It could happen as early as the spring.
“We are removing the four buildings on the lower part of Main Street,” said Sharon Walsh, acting installations bureau chief in the Howard County Public Works Department.
These include the buildings that housed the former Phoenix Emporium Restaurant, Discoveries Store, Bean Hollow Cafe, and the Great Panes Art Gallery.
She said the plan is currently undergoing a federal review process that is expected to be approved in September.
“We will start work in early 2022,” Walsh said.
Several Howard County officials and area contractors answered questions and provided an update on the current state of flood mitigation plans.
The extension of the plans for the north tunnel saved many buildings and streets at the bottom of Main Street.
“Other than truck traffic entering and exiting the construction site, you won’t be digging the streets,” said David Corkum, director of Mcmillen Jacobs Associates.
Howard County Director Calvin Ball said county funding provided $ 33 million for projects in Ellicott City and more than $ 20 million came from state funding.
He said they are also expecting $ 75 million under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act program.
“Ellicott City is about to celebrate its 250th anniversary, and working together, I look forward to seeing the next 250,” Ball said.
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