The flood mitigation option selected by County Executive Ball as part of phase 2 of the Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan achieves the goal of prioritizing public safety while retaining more of Ellicott City's historic charm. The plan calls for the removal of 4 buildings on Main Street in order to complete critical capital projects and the partial removal of 6 additional buildings in order to remove constrictions over the stream channel.   

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As promised, in December 2018 the county resumed negotiations with property owners who received an official purchase offer under the previous administration. To date, the county has acquired 10 properties on lower Main Street, 4 properties on the West End, and 2 properties in Valley Mede. Structural engineers have inspected buildings where needed. Stabilization efforts have been completed, including the removal of the rear of Caplan’s, preserving the historic character of the façade.