May 29, 2020

Coronavirus Update: Libraries, Restaurants, & ReOpening

Dear Neighbors,

Today marks the first day of the District's Phase 1 reopening plan, and I
will use this update to share what much of Phase 1 will look like for
residents/businesses and to share significant announcements from the
Mayor's press conference this morning. Two prominent updates to the
reopening strategy, ones that I've been pushing since the outset of this
pandemic, is a safe streets initiative and the expansion of outdoor dining
space for our restaurants.

As we have witnessed nationally and experienced locally, reckless driving
and speeding have greatly increased since the outset of coronavirus. In
response to this dangerous and potentially fatal behavior, the District
Department of Transportation (DDOT) will be launching a new
neighborhood-based Slow Streets initiative to identify roads to be limited
to local traffic only (this will eliminate commuter and through traffic on
select streets that are heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists). The
speed limit for these selected roads will be lowered to 15 mph while the
speed limit for all other residential streets in the District will be
lowered to 20 mph. One important infrastructure need that the Slow Streets
initiative does not address is the need for a comprehensive and protected
bike lane network to safely separate cars from other road users. So, at the
Council's next Legislative Meeting, I intend to introduce legislation to
require DDOT to map out and implement a District-wide bike lane network as
well as create a process for residents to request bike lanes and/or permits
to close streets for recreational use.

You may remember my [1]recent effort to significantly expand sidewalk space
for outdoor restaurant dining (an important social distancing measure as
our restaurants reopen/expand operations), and I'm very happy to share that
the Mayor has announced a registration process for our local businesses to
request space for outdoor dining and/or curbside pick-up. Dubbed a
'Seatery' program, this is a wonderful opportunity for local restaurants to
use public space, including streets, to expand their business operations as
indoor dinning and indoor shopping remain prohibited during Phase 1. To
apply for new or expanded outdoor dining and curbside pickup space,
businesses should go to the [2]Seatery Registration Form.

To date, the District has lost 460 residents to coronavirus and currently
has 8,538 known positive cases. This virus is still prevalent in our
community, so please continue to be diligent and cautious in protecting
yourself and others.

Regards,

Mary

Please see [3]coronavirus.dc.gov for the latest District updates &
resources on COVID-19

If you know someone who would like to receive these updates directly, he or
she may sign up through [4]marycheh.com or by
emailing [5][email protected]

Libraries to Offer Pick-Up & Drop-Offs

Love DCPL - The Cleveland Park Library is open! Today, the Cleveland Park
Library and the Anacostia Libraries have kicked-off the opening of a
library in each Ward for weekday pick-up and drop-off services. The
Cleveland Park Library in Ward 3 will open again on Monday, June 1st, from
1:00-5:00 pm.

Residents can request materials [6]online or by phone.
* For adult materials: (202) 747-1017
* For youth materials: (202) 747-5054

Returned books will be set aside for a decontamination period and then
safely returned to circulation. As a reminder, in an effort to reduce
barriers to the library, the DC Public Library will no longer collect late
fees. The reopening of our local libraries is a very exciting announcement,
but please be sure to maintain safe social distancing when dropping off
your books and awaiting your pick-up!

For the library system's new hours and schedule, please see [7]DCist.

DPR Parks & Fields

Beginning today, Friday, May 29th, the following are open with safeguards:
* Parks, walking paths, fields, cemeteries, and waterways
* Dog parks
* Golf courses, tennis courts, and tracks
* No-to-low-contact community sports (like tennis), training, and games
* Plazas remain open with safeguards for personal fitness and exercise
activities
* Public events of up to 10 people with social distancing

Please Note - Playgrounds will remain closed during Phase 1 of the
reopening plan. Likewise, contact sports and groups of more than 10 people
will remain prohibited in order to promote social distancing.

While public restrooms will open and be disinfected regularly, shared
spaces (e.g. locker rooms, club houses) other than restrooms will remain
closed.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to the park to
reduce water fountain use.

Dinning Out and Restaurants

Dinning Out - Restaurants will now be permitted to offer outdoor and
socially distanced dining services to customers. While customers are not
required to wear facial masks when eating or drinking, customers are
expected to arrive with a mask and to use it when entering any indoor
restaurant space, such as the restroom.

Ward 3 Main Streets & Business Resources

Shop & Eat Local - If you haven't already, now is a great time to follow
your local Main Street on social media for updates on open/reopening
restaurants and businesses in your neighborhood. Below are links for Ward
3's Main Street Programs:
* Tenleytown Main Street - [8]Website, [9]Facebook, [10]Twitter
* Van Ness Main Street - [11]Website, [12]Facebook, [13]Twitter
* Cleveland Park Main Street - [14]Website, [15]Facebook, [16]Twitter
* Woodley Park Main Street - [17]Website, [18]Facebook, [19]Twitter
* Glover Park Main Street - [20]Website, [21]Facebook, [22]Twitter

For Ward 3 Businesses: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution
Sites

PPE Care Packages - The District's Department of Small and Local Business
Development is working with Ward 3's Main Streets to provide free PPE Care
Packages consisting of limited quantities of masks, hand sanitizer, and
liquid cleaning concentrate to those businesses eligible for a Phase 1
reopening. PPE care packages are being provided by the District government
and are offered on a first come, first served basis.

In order to receive the PPE Care Package, businesses eligible for Phase I
reopening must complete a PPE Sign-Up Form. Upon completion of the PPE
Sign-Up Form, the business owner will receive confirmation and instructions
for pick-up (delivery is not available, please bring your own box to carry
supplies).

[23]Register your Business Here

The District has been organized into [24]zones to facilitate PPE
distribution. The Ward 3 distribution center in Zone 9 will open Monday,
June 1 at 10 a.m. at the St. Ann’s gymnasium, 4404 Wisconsin Avenue, NW in
Tenleytown.

KEY INFORMATION TO REMEMBER:
* Free care packages are for brick-and-mortar small businesses operating
in Phase 1 of the reopening
* [25]Register in advance on Eventbrite
* Pick up at 4404 Wisconsin Ave, NW (cars enter on Yuma St. via alley
behind St. Ann's Church)
* Pick-up starts Monday, June 1 at 10 a.m.
* The distribution site will be open 10 am – 4 pm, or until supplies run
out
* Care packages available on a first come, first served basis
* Please wear a mask and follow social distancing
* Bring your own boxes to load care package items
* Call Tenleytown Main Street if you have questions or get lost:
202-362-1815
* And thank you in advance for your patience!

Pick-up for multiple businesses by a single representative may be
accommodated, but please email [26][email protected] in advance
with the list of businesses and the name of the representative who will
pick-up the packages.

Department of Motor Vehicles

[27]

The District's Need for Safer Streets & Better Bicycle Infrastructure

From DCist -

With more residents choosing to walk or bike in the past few months, Cheh
fears they may abandon their alternate modes of transportation once the
city reopens, and instead take cars for commuting.

“We need to seize the moment here so we can get people who are now biking,
walking, and scooter, to get them to continue that as their mode of
transportation,” Cheh says. “We want to capture their interest, but many
won’t [continue] if they don’t feel safe.”

[28]Read the Full Story

Fort Totten Transfer Station Resumes Normal Operations

Fort Totten is Open - Beginning today, Friday, May 29th, residents can
visit the Fort Totten Transfer Station for all normal operations,
including:
* Bulk trash drop-off
* Food waste drop-off
* Document shredding
* Mulch pickup
* Household hazardous waste drop-off

Phase 1 Health Guidance

Subject/Industry Health Resources - The links below offer a selection of
health guidelines from Phase 1 of the District's reopening strategy.

Phase 1 Resident Health Guidance:
* [29]General Guidance for the Public
* [30]Masks and Cloth Face Covering for General Public
* [31]Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions
* [32]Older Adults

Phase 1 Industry-Specific Health Guidance:
* [33]Childcare Services
* [34]Cosmetology and Barber Professionals
* [35]Dental Care
* [36]Elective Surgery
* [37]For-Hire Vehicle, Taxi, and Rideshare Vehicles
* [38]Parks and Open Spaces
* [39]Restaurants
* [40]Schools

For additional guidelines and information, please go to
[41]coronavirus.dc.gov.

Thank you to our Teachers, School Staff, & Principals!

As the 2019-2020 school year comes to a close, a big 'thank you' is due to
all of our Ward 3 teachers, staff, and school leadership for working so
diligently to ensure that our students remain connected, supported, and
able to learn during this unprecedented remote learning semester.

You have our great thanks and appreciation. Please know that you are loved
by your students and the Ward 3 community.

Our Office is Open!

Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is
closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are
teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.

You may continue to [42]email the office directly or reach us via phone
through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget
requests, and constituent services requests.

[43]Facebook [44]Twitter

FOLLOW MARY

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Mary Cheh
Mary Cheh Ward 3
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NWSuite 108
Washington, DC 20004
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