Moore Paint Coming to Ellicott City's Main Street

Ellicott City's Main Street will receive a fresh coat of paint after winning a contest sponsored by Benjamin Moore.

The paint company announced Monday that Ellicott City was one of 20 towns selected across the country to receive a free paint job. Over the next year, the company plans to work with local Benjamin Moore retailers and painting contractors to conduct the paint job.

"I think it's great, but truthfully I don't really know it means," said Dave Carney, president of the Main Street Business Owners Association. Carney said he's not sure what would be painted, but assumed Benjamin Moore would have to adhere to historic district commission requirements in the area.

"There's definitely some buildings down here who could use some tender loving care," said Carney.

County Council Member Courtney Watson, who represents Ellicott City, said winning the contest was a great community effort between local representatives, businesses and residents. She mentioned the support that grew from social media efforts and the production of two videos—one by the county and another by a Main Street business owner.

"We have been waiting for the news and I was very excited to read about it this morning," said Watson.

She said the county is currently working on tracking down information about how the painting will be done. She also said Benjamin Moore will have to meet local historic requirements when painting.

Ellicott City was named a winner because it was one of 20 Main Streets around the country to receive the most votes in the online contest.

A local Benjamin Moore retailer, Clark's Ace Hardware in Ellicott City, said on Monday they had not received any information yet about whether they will be involved in supplying paint for Main Street.