more speciality boutiques (not used merchandise stores) and more non-chain places to eat. Not necessarily full blown big restaurants, but like Fells Point/Canton/Federal Hill - small places. Like the place that had the fire - split it in half and have 2 different places to eat.

Bars, restaurants and cafes.

Take a look at Main St. in Ellicott City - plenty of off street parking, a variety of local restaurants, a few bars, interesting shopping.

An old-fashioned general store/candy shoppe with vintage candies, popcorn, nuts, trickles, etc. (Look at Gettysburg shoppes and the Ma and Pa General Store "Edge Of Town" in Littlestown).

I second the comment...Boutiques that carry in new merchandise! Nothing can be done to revitalize an area if the shops don't attract business. New signs or planters will not matter. I feel bad for the nicer shops like Java momas, they would have a lot more foot traffic if the retail shops sold nice merchandise. I will just go down the street to Glyndon.

I love the general store idea! New signs and planters are needed you have to have curb appeal for businesses to want to move in. Problem with a bar you have to be far enough away from the church and school, for you to get any kind of liquor licence . Yet a restaurant could open as a BYOB. More importantly people need to shop in the stores, recently we just lost Decals and soon Constellation Books will be closing both had "New" merchandise and nice shops to go to. :-[ I am sad for them, remember shop small, support Main St!

Well, good luck paying your parking fare if you arrive in Old EC before 10AM. The new system won't let you. At 10:15 however the parking nazi is about handing out tickets left and right... which means of you had a 9:30 or 10:00 appointment you are out of luck.