July 26, 2019

Media Contacts:
Peter Conrad, Deputy Director, Department of Planning and Zoning, 410-313-2350
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412

ELLICOTT CITY – Today, the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball launched an Online Open House to provide information and gather feedback as part of the Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan process. The site focuses on several key downtown areas where significant changes to previously-proposed master plan ideas are likely, given the flood mitigation work under the Safe and Sound plan.

The Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan process officially kicked off on May 31, 2017 with the goal of developing a comprehensive, community-driven vision for rebuilding a stronger and more resilient Ellicott City. Triggered by the devastating July 30, 2016 flood, the master plan effort was designed to take a fresh and creative look at potential long-term flood solutions and rebuilding strategies. Following the May 2018 flood, the master plan process was paused. In June 2019, County Executive Ball resumed the plan.  

“I re-started our master planning process to build resilient solutions that will keep Ellicott City strong for the next 250 years. Our Online Open House will give everyone in the community a stronger voice in that long-term future and help bring innovative ideas to the table,” said Ball. “I encourage every resident and business owner to visit our site and help us create a community vision.”

The Online Open House includes information and public surveys regarding the following areas where significant changes to prior master plan concepts are likely:

  • Lower Main Street
  • Lot D and Lot E 
  • Lot F and Lot G (Former Roger Carter Center)
  • Lot A and Lot B 

After reading each of the sections, visitors complete short surveys to provide their feedback. Open house participants are also invited to provide input on other geographic areas, parking, important views/vistas, and any other topic of their choosing. The master plan consultant team will consider survey input while preparing concepts for presentation at a fall 2019 public meeting.   

To fully experience the Online Open House, it is recommended that visitors reserve 30 minutes to read the narrative and answer all the survey questions. The Online Open House will be available now through Sunday, August 11, 2019.  

If you have questions or any technical difficulties with the surveys or Online Open House, please email [email protected].

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