Community Corner

Ellicott City Moves Closer to Main Street District Designation

Howard County, Ellicott City team up to bolster economic vitality on Main Street.

The Howard County Economic Development Authority announced Wednesday that Ellicott City now has a manager for its Main Street district.

The new position came out of an agreement between the authority and the Ellicott City Historic District Partnership to help make the area eligible for designation by the state as a main street district.

Having a dedicated staff person is a prerequisite for application to the Main Street Maryland program, which provides resources to help traditional downtown business districts improve their economy and image, according to a statement from the Howard County Economic Development Authority.

Ellicott City was part of the program in the 1990s but its membership lapsed when Main Street wasn't able to keep a full-time employee on staff, Patch previously reported.

Other requirements for designation as a main street community in Maryland include, among several additional criteria, supporting a population of at least 1,000 and having a central business district with a significant number of historic commercial buildings.
 
"By achieving Main Street status, Ellicott City can build on the momentum that’s growing in the historic district, increasing business and becoming even more of a focal point for economic opportunities in Howard County," Economic Development Authority CEO Lawrence F. Twele said.

Under the memorandum of understanding between the authority and the historic district partnership, the Howard County Economic Development Authority will provide $100,000 over a three-year period to help cover the cost of hiring the manager.

Ellicott City Historic District Partnership President Andy Hall said that he was "delighted" by the new development.

"Thanks to the [Howard County Economic Development Authority's] support, we’re confident we are well on our way to achieving the Main Street Maryland designation,” Hall said.

"Efforts like this require great partnerships," Hall continued, "and we delighted to be working closely with all of the stakeholders concerned about the future of Historic Ellicott City."

The Ellicott City Historic District Partnership formed last year to help the area achieve designation as a Main Street district.

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