Delegate to push for parking garage in historic Ellicott City

Ellicott City (Map, News) - Many business owners welcome the idea of a modern parking garage on Ellicott City’s Main Street.

“There are always parking wars here. We could do much more business here if we had an adequate parking,” said Chester Overlock, the owner of What’s In Store, a furniture store on Main Street.

“Downtown Old Ellicott City is really bustling and [not having a garage] is one of the thing that is really holding them back,” Pamela J. Klahr, president and chief executive officer of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce.

Howard County Del. Gail Bates, R-District 9A, plans to ask the state in the upcoming legislative session for $500,000 to fund the planning and construction of a parking garage.

The three-block historic district has about 870 total off-street parking spots and 180 on-street spots to accommodate nearly 50 stores and restaurants, according to the Howard County Tourism Council.

But not all business owners agree a parking garage is a necessity.

“I have been here 45 years, and I have never come here and not found a place to park,” said Enalee Bounds, the owner of Ellicott’s Country Store on Main Street.

A parking garage built on Main Street would taint the quaint feel of the city, she said.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman supports the parking garage, said county spokeswoman Kathy Sloan-Beard.

“But [members of the administration] are going to charge the county’s revenue authority to take a closer look and evaluate the viability of a parking garage,” Sloan-Beard said.

mmcilroy@baltimoreexaminer.com

IF YOU GO

» What: Public hearing with state delegation on proposed legislation for the General Assembly

» When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11

» Where: George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City

Add a Comment

Name: (required)

Comments:

characters left Comments are regulated by the Terms of Use.

Check for new comments

There are no comments available.

Advertisement