Ball pledges ‘safe, sound’ approach
County officials would examine ‘alternatives to full-scale demolition on the lower end of Main Street’
County residents with stakes in Ellicott City were reacting this week after County Executive Calvin Ball announced new measures he said were aimed at flood mitigation and safety in historic Ellicott City.
In a press conference at Tersiguel’s Restaurant on Thursday, the county executive unveiled “Safe and Sound,” a package of initiatives that include more frequent removal of debris from tributaries, upgrades in the county’s emergency alert system and a matching grant program for up to $150,000 toward private flood mitigation projects.
A week before the announcement, Ball’s administration said it was restarting negotiations with property owners about acquiring properties that were previously eyed for possible demolition. Ball, a Democrat who was elected last month, said the talks would continue, but he also said the county had not targeted any site yet to be razed, and that officials would examine “alternatives to full-scale demolition on the lower end of Main Street.”
He also reiterated support for infrastructure projects already proposed or underway, and said the administration would seek options for additional improvements.
The grant program would give up to $5,000 per project for mitigation efforts undertaken by property owners in certain areas.
Mark DeLuca, deputy director of public works, said Ball’s announcement was the “first step” in a plan that will continue to unfold as the new year begins.
Joy Sung, owner of Lamp & Gift on Main ULYSSES MUNOZ/BALTIMORE SUN Howard County Executive Calvin Ball speaks with members of the media outside Tersiguel's in Ellicott City on Thursday.
Street, said she does not want to see her building demolished, though she knows a solution to flooding is difficult to achieve.
“I believe most people want to keep the street like before [the flood],” said Sung, who opened her shop on lower Main Street in January 2017. During the May flooding
In a press conference at Tersiguel’s Restaurant on Thursday, the county executive unveiled “Safe and Sound,” a package of initiatives that include more frequent removal of debris from tributaries, upgrades in the county’s emergency alert system and a matching grant program for up to $150,000 toward private flood mitigation projects.
A week before the announcement, Ball’s administration said it was restarting negotiations with property owners about acquiring properties that were previously eyed for possible demolition. Ball, a Democrat who was elected last month, said the talks would continue, but he also said the county had not targeted any site yet to be razed, and that officials would examine “alternatives to full-scale demolition on the lower end of Main Street.”
He also reiterated support for infrastructure projects already proposed or underway, and said the administration would seek options for additional improvements.
The grant program would give up to $5,000 per project for mitigation efforts undertaken by property owners in certain areas.
Mark DeLuca, deputy director of public works, said Ball’s announcement was the “first step” in a plan that will continue to unfold as the new year begins.
Joy Sung, owner of Lamp & Gift on Main ULYSSES MUNOZ/BALTIMORE SUN Howard County Executive Calvin Ball speaks with members of the media outside Tersiguel's in Ellicott City on Thursday.
Street, said she does not want to see her building demolished, though she knows a solution to flooding is difficult to achieve.
“I believe most people want to keep the street like before [the flood],” said Sung, who opened her shop on lower Main Street in January 2017. During the May flooding
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