Community Corner

Bigger Problems Than Meters on Main Street

'Let's get back to the really big issues.'

Dear Fellow Ellicott City Community Members,


Let's get back to the really big issues: Stormwater Management, Beautification, Marketing/Promotion, Events, Safety, Historic Preservation, Waste Management, Infrastructure, Economic Development. We can't do any of these things without the help of Howard County government.

We had the most supportive relationship with the County we have seen in years and that is because the community presented a unified group with a positive attitude. The County is in the process of helping us address those big issues. Yes, they take time. Let's get back to working with them instead of attacking them.  

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I have watched with dismay how the collective positive energy and momentum has been stalled by infighting over the relatively minor issue of parking meters on Main St. Much hyperbolic language has been used as reasons against them, but it really comes right down to convenience doesn't it?  

Parking on Main will still be free for 66% of the time, the whole area becomes a free 15 minute loading zone and the free parking will remain free.  No one has to pay unless they choose to.  No one will stop coming to Ellicott City because of meters.  We live and work here precisely because we are independent minded people who choose to be in a funky historic town.  

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I park a block away in a free lot and when that is full, on Frederick Road.  Maybe I have to walk two or three blocks. That's okay.  It is part of the trade-off to be here.  None of us is entitled to park wherever and wherever we want.  More available convenient parking on Main opens it up for visitors who help make this town thrive.


Let's please work together as a community again,

Karen Besson 


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