Comptroller Thanks Phoenix Emporium for Support After Derailment

The Maryland Comptroller Friday thanked Phoenix Emporium owner Mark Hemmis for providing "delicious food" and support during the aftermath of the CSX train derailment.

Peter Franchot said that all of the Main Street businesses came together to support county, state and CSX workers to help make the recovery process easier for everyone in the Historic District.

Main Street was closed to traffic from about midnight on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 21 until 7 p.m. that Friday after which and help businesses that had suffered during the clean-up.

Hemmis opened his restaurant to workers while they assessed and cleaned up the damage caused by the derailment, which resulted in the death of two 19-year-old Ellicott City women who were sitting on the edge of the bridge that carries the train over Main Street.

In front of a crowd of a half-dozen Historic District merchants Franchot presented a certificate of recognition reading:

In recognition of providing a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food to the greater Ellicott City area since 1979. With heartfelt gratitude for your contributions during the train derailment crisis, serving free food and water to the workers and emergency personnel and with my deepest appreciation for your commitment, best wishes for continued growth and success.

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