Residents of Ellicott City want to know more about the plans of the Friends of the Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway Inc. before that group seeks state certification of an effort to develop tourist and recreational opportunities in the Patapsco river valley.

Members of the Ellicott City Residents Association, an umbrella group of homeowners and residents organizations, want the group "to get the plan out in the public so people can make an informed decision," said Daniel Murray, its president.

But leaders of the Friends say they don't intend to seek state certification until public sentiment toward the group -- and its organizers -- improves.

"It's in limbo until there's a better attitude than what's been generated in response to what's already been out there," said Charles Wagandt, president of the Oella Co. and past chairman of the group.

This standoff means that a proposal to use tax credits and state grants to preserve historic buildings and improve business opportunities in the valley isn't likely to become reality anytime soon.

The proposed Patapsco Heritage Greenway, which includes much of Patapsco Valley State Park as well as the historic districts of Ellicott City and Elkridge, has met more opposition to designation as a heritage area than any other within the state, said Elizabeth Hughes of the Maryland Historical Trust, which administers the state heritage-areas program.

At public meetings about the proposed Patapsco heritage area and the extension of the Grist Mill Trail along the river in the valley, residents and environmental activists raised concerns about the number of additional visitors the area can support, as well as the effect of extra visitors on the watershed area.

Local governments or third-party groups, such as the Heritage Greenway Inc., which includes residents and representatives from businesses near the borders of Howard and Baltimore counties, may apply for the designation.

Third-party groups, however, must seek approval from all local governments within the jurisdiction before applying for certification by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority of the Maryland Historical Trust.

Members of ECRA, who are worried about an influx of tourists and environmental effects on the park, want to be sure that they have an opportunity to weigh in on the plan before it is endorsed by local government.

ECRA has passed a resolution calling for a public hearing on the plan before the Friends group seeks support from the Howard County Council, to be held no sooner than one month after the plan is made public. ECRA members brought this issue to candidates for County Council and executive during election forums last month.

The Patapsco Heritage Greenway Committee of the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation began work to establish a recognized heritage area in 1998. After receiving recognition, the group received matching grants from county governments to conduct a management study.

In 2000, the committee spun off and merged with the nonprofit Friends of the Patapsco Valley, renaming itself the Friends of the Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway Inc.

ECRA heard a general overview of the heritage proposal from the Heritage Greenway organization in January. Members of the community group also heard from representatives of the Sierra Club, which has been vocal in protesting the trail extension or any additional development of the valley.

"The Friends group gave a rather lengthy presentation, but what was lacking was" specific proposals, said Murray, who also belongs to the Worthington Community Association.

Other members of ECRA have said they are concerned about the accountability of the private Heritage Greenway organization.

"It should be a county-state project," said Norm Powell of the Patapsco Scenic Triangle Neighborhood Association, part of ECRA. "They're outside of public input. It just is a suspect thing."

If and when Heritage Greenway decides to pursue state certification, a public hearing held by the County Council would precede one conducted by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, which considers responses from such meetings when reviewing certification applications.

ECRA members want to register their concerns before the plan is finalized.