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 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 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 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 marycheh.com or by emailing [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 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 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:

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). 

Register your Business Here

The District has been organized into 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
  • 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 [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

 

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.”

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:

Phase 1 Industry-Specific Health Guidance:

For additional guidelines and information, please go to 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 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.
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