What is Ellicott City Safe and Sound?

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Ellicott City Safe and Sound, developed by County Executive Calvin Ball, is a multi-phase plan for Ellicott City’s recovery following the devastating floods of 2016 and 2018. The goal of the Safe and Sound plan is to not only ensure that Ellicott City is safe today, but also to safeguard the town against tomorrow’s threats. Additionally, the Safe and Sound plan is heavily focused on the economic vitality of Main Street’s businesses, providing relief for business owners and residents impacted by floods, and creating a more community-driven process for how decisions are made regarding Ellicott City.

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What was included in the first phase of the Safe and Sound plan?

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The first phase included the following components:

• Building Acquisitions

  • All 10 buildings the county intended to acquire on Lower Main Street have now been purchased.

• Emergency Public Alert System

  • The county purchased three speaker arrays to alert residents and visitors when flash flooding is imminent.

• Clearing the Waterways

  • The county executive mandated more frequent clearing of waterways to reduce the risk of debris contributing to flooding.

• Flood Mitigation Assistance Pilot Program

  • This grant program allowed certian property owners to apply for grants to floodproof their properties.

• Working with State Partners

  • County Executive Ball continues to work with state partners to secure funding for the Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan.

• Supporting Main Street Businesses

  • The county excutive dedicated an employee at the Howard County EDA to be a point of contact for Main Street businesses.

• Creative Options for Lower Main Street

  • Upon taking office, the county executive immediately directed the Department of Public Works to explore options for flood mitigation that prioritized public safety and also preserved more of the town's historic charm.

• Creation of a Community Development Corporation Exploration Committee

  • The CDC Exploration Committee created by the county executive examined the possibility of creating a community development corproation for Ellicott City and developed a set of recommendations.

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What buildings is the county planning to acquire?

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The county has acquired all 10 buildings it intended to purchase on Lower Main Street and continues to negotiate with property owners in the West End and Valley Mede.

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The county previously ordered an appraisal of my property. Does that mean my property will be acquired this year?

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No. The county is currently only negotiating with property owners that received an official offer under the previous administration.

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Will the acquired buildings be removed as outlined under the previous administration’s 5-year plan?

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The flood mitigation plan selected by County Executive Calvin Ball preserves six of the ten buidlings previously scheduled for demolition. Those buildings will face a partial demolition of parts of the structure that are over the stream channel. Four buildings will be demolished in order to complete much-needed flood mitigation projects.

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