A New Vision for Downtown Ellicott City: Parking, Housing and More

What do you see in Ellicott City’s future?

You can share your ideas and concerns with County Executive Ken Ulman and other county officials at a public meeting where the county will present its “new vision planned for historic downtown,” according to Ulman’s office. 

In an effort to increase customer and tourist activity, county representatives said they have been meeting with local property owners, merchants and residents. Now they are bringing the discussion to the community at large.

“Downtown Ellicott City is one of the most recognizable locations in the County, and with good reason,” Ulman said in a statement. “It has thriving business, great restaurants and ample historic charm.”

In two weeks, county representatives will meet at the George Howard Building to discuss some of the ideas for improvements and development of the downtown district including a plan to “improve the availability of existing parking.”

How do you think downtown Ellicott City could improve? Tell us in comments.

The county also has applied with the state for a “sustainable community” designation, which provides tax credits for certain sustainable building and development practices, one of which is providing more transportation choices. 

“Parking is always an issue in Ellicott City,” Steve Lafferty, director of special projects for the county’s Department of Planning and Zoning told Patch last month.

Just last week Department of Public Works Deputy Director Mark DeLuca said the as it works to rebuild a retaining wall that collapsed during Tropical Storm Lee.

And with new developments nearby, Lafferty said, “It’s not inconceivable that if you start to see an increase in population, there may be an increase in transportation that we need to fill. Right now,” he said, “it’s the whole chicken and egg thing.”

During the community meeting, other issues pertaining to downtown improvement will be discussed, including: 

• Evaluating flood control solutions and improving storm water management
• Update on enhancing housing opportunities
• Increasing public safety with the creation of a Police Neighborhood Satellite Office
• Updates from the Department of Recreations and Parks on the and other park facilities
• Continued improvements on the Old Post Office Building
• Constructing a unified vision and a cohesive plan for the future of downtown Ellicott City

The meeting will be in the Benjamin Banneker room of the on Tuesday, Aug. 21 from 7 – 9 p.m.

“This is the kind of collaboration we need to help small businesses thrive and in turn create jobs and strengthen the local economy,” County Council Vice Chairperson Courtney Watson said in the statement.  

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