In This Issue
August 24, 2016

Nearly four weeks into the recovery from the devastating flood so much has been accomplished, while the full recovery is only just beginning. Before I continue, I want to offer my sincere gratitude to  our County staff from nearly every department, friends from the federal and state government and other counties and states (Pennsylvania and Colorado), all the volunteers and the amazing people of the Historic District. Also, thank you to all the businesses, community organizations, and individuals across Howard County and around our region for the myriad of fundraisers to help Ellicott City recover.  

Because of the combined efforts of all these folks, we are now seeing in this short period of time the first stores reopening - Wine Bin (tomorrow), Judges Bench (today), Ooh La La Salon (this past Monday), and a couple of businesses that are now able to operate outside of the major construction areas. Some residents are also able to return. 

While the first three weeks were focused on clean-up and emergency repairs, the next three will focus on some critical infrastructure repairs (gas lines) and more substantial "temporary" repairs. Again, this is really just the beginning of a long-term effort to repair and rebuild, with the goal toward rebuilding better! Patience and flexibility have been the key so far and will continue to be going forward.

Even as we look to "building better" we also have to accept that Historic District will not, and can not be the same when this long recovery process is complete. Some business and residents will not be able to rebuild or wait until the repairs to their buildings are complete; they will have to move on. As a business owner myself, I have had difficult conversations with some of the business owners impacted by the flood about the decisions they are facing. EVERY ONE of these conversations start with... "I want to stay." This statement is a testament to the strength of the Historic District community and how the people there feel a real responsibility to one another. This sense of community is rare today and I continue to be awed by the resilience and commitment I have seen on a daily basis by the people that make Ellicott City. 

I don't know that I can offer any additional words of encouragement that will make what lies ahead any less daunting. At this point all I can say is that I'm glad I live HERE, and I'm honored to be part of THIS community, and WE will always be EC!    

With Respect, 

Jon
 

Plea se f ollow my Facebook Page (click here) for regular updates and b e sure to call my office - 410-313-3110 to speak to me or my team - Gary Smith and Jessie Keller. 
   
SPECIAL REPORT

County Council receives progress report on Ellicott City flood recovery
 
On Monday, August 22, in accordance with Councilman Weinstein's amendment to the recent Emergency Declaration extension, the Administration presented a progress report to the Council detailing recovery efforts since the flood that tore through Historic Ellicott City's on July 30.
 
The report chronicles the steps the county took immediately after the flash flood hit Ellicott City as well as initial damage costs, details of infrastructure and waterway recovery projects and overviews of how various county agencies responded with help for victims.  Ryan Miller, director of the Howard County Office of Emergency Management, briefed the Council on the report. 

Click  here . to view full report.

IN THE NEWS

Next steps in recovery process for Ellicott City's Main Street

The next steps in Ellicott City's recovery will increase access, restore commerce, reduce anxiety and provide predictability for the merchants and residents of Main Street.  Beginning Tuesday, August 23, a portion of the western end of Main Street that sustained minor or no damage will be reopened. Other key dates include:
  • Wednesday, August 24:
    • Main Street reopens from Ellicott Mills Drive to Court Avenue
    • Old Columbia Pike reopens down to Main Street
    • Main Street parking still prohibited
    • Seven days of credentialed access for businesses on Tiber Alley
  • Thursday, Aug. 25/Friday, Aug. 26
    • Merryman and Hill streets to be re-paved
  • Saturday, Aug. 27
    • Half of Parking Lot "F" to reopen
  • Early September
    • Reopening of Patapsco River bridge
    • Perimeter moves west of Maryland Avenue on Main Street
Click here to read full story 
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Weinstein eyes 'rebirth' of Ellicott City as flood clean-up continues  

Weinstein is confident the town will come back stronger than ever. People from the west end of Main Street, residents and business owners have banded together in an unprecedented show of unity, Weinstein said.

"The history behind the buildings is important ... but that pales in comparison to the people that live in the community," Weinstein said. "It's known for its charm. It's not charming because of its building. It's charming because of what goes on there and who is there."

Click here to read full story. 


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Howard County Council approves waiving fees for flood victims

The Howard County Council voted on last Wednesday to pass emergency legislation with would waive certain permit, licensing and Health Department fees for those trying to rebuild after last month's flooding in Ellicott City. 

This bill provides relief to residents and business owners performing extensive reconstruction and repairs requiring county-issued permits. These permits could cost anywhere between $20 and $200. Some of the more common permits include: building, fire, electrical, sewer, plumbing, HVAC and food service.
The fee waiver will be retroactive to Aug. 1 and will continue through Dec. 31.

Click here to read full story. 

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Members of Historic Ellicott City Recovery
Community Advisory Group Announced

The group is a cross-section of representatives of local organizations, preservation groups, businesses, residents and the faith-based community who will offer direction on the continued recovery efforts for Ellicott City's Main Street area. The first task of this group is to organize a series of public meetings, including an inaugural town hall, to hear directly from the community about its priorities.
 
This group was selected with assistance of former County Executive Jim Robey who was appointed Aug. 12 by Kittleman to be special advisor to Historic Ellicott City flood recovery efforts and to serve as chair of the community advisory group.

Click  here to read full story. 


FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Bars, re staurants and breweries throughout Greater Baltimore are rolling out special events to assist in Ellicott City's recovery after the flood that devastated Main Street.

Aug.  27 - Victoria Gastro Pub  in Columbia will host a beer festival. SOLD OUT. Thank you, Victoria!

Aug 27 - Dimitri's International Grille in Catonsville will host a fundraiser starting at 5p to benefit Ellicott City. The event includes live music, prizes, a raffle, and guest bar tenders with happy hour pricing all night. Come see Jon tend bar from 6p to 7p with Baltimore County Councilman Tom Quirk, our partner across the river.

Aug 27 - Caton Tavern in Catonsville will donate 50 percent of the funds raised from its Aug. 27 Caton Fest to Ellicott City's recovery. The tavern is asking for a $3 donation to enter, and the event includes live music.

Aug 27 - BMORE Around Town will host a tailgate before the Ravens' game against the Detroit Lions, with a portion of the proceeds going to rebuilding Ellicott City. Tickets, which are $35 for adults and $20 for children, include food, an open bar, tailgate games and more. The festivities will take place in Lot O by M&T Bank Stadium. 

Aug 31Freedom Consulting Group (FCG) is honored to sponsor a Paint Nite. 6-8pm @ Nottinghams, Columbia Corporate Park; 8850 Stanford Blvd, Suite 1100,  for ticket information click here 

Click here  for details and to view more fundraising events

DONATIONS
The E llicott City Partnership is currently accepting financial donations that will be used to assist Historic District merchants, residents, and property owners with flood recovery and rebuilding. Click  here  for more information.

Preservation  Maryland has established an emergency flood recovery fund  to aid in the repair and restoration of the City's historic Main Street community and storefronts. Click here for more information. 

The Howard County Arts Council has established Re-create: Ellicott City Artist Relief Fund to provide assistance to individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations impacted by the flooding in Ellicott City. Click here for details 

Click here for a list of other ways to help Ellicott City...



We will return to our regular D1 News-sheet
George Howard Building
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043