Financial help now available for business hurt by sudden shutdown of Glen Burnie, Maryland office building

Help is on the way for businesses hurt by the sudden closure of the Empire Towers office building in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Thousands of dollars in financial assistance is now available.

It comes five days after unpermitted construction work compromised the structure of the 10-story building.

The privately owned building was damaged on July 9 during work on the parking garage, the Anne Arundel County executive's office said. Because the complex is still not safe, the county's 150-foot safety perimeter around the building will stay in place.

The county said the building's owner is working with a licensed structural engineering firm to develop plans to stabilize the structure. They hope to begin work this week and anticipate it will take about 10 days. 

The evacuation and safety restrictions have disrupted nearby businesses, many of which are still closed, and vehicles remain stuck in the parking garage.

Officials are also working with property owners outside the safety zone who've been affected by road closures to establish detours to allow people access to their businesses.

"It's a lot of money being lost," said Herbert Dubose of BG's Car Wash. "My employees are very valuable to me. They got to eat too."

To assist businesses forced to close within the safety zone, the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation has launched the Empire Towers Disaster Recovery Grant program. 

Eligible businesses can apply for grants starting at $2,500 and county officials are encouraging owners to apply as soon as possible. Applications are now open at this website.