Let me start this week’s letter by thanking all the teams who have been working around the clock to clear the roads, haul the snow and ice, get residents into shelter, welcome our students back to school, and ensure we are able to provide the services that thousands of residents depend on DC Government for.
We’re cautiously optimistic to report that the chance of getting more snow this weekend is very low. I’m even happier to report that it also looks like on Monday and Tuesday, we will finally see temperatures slightly above freezing. The sunlight combined with the above freezing temperatures will help us knock out whatever trouble spots we still have by early next week. If your street still needs to be treated, please report it to 311.
We also want to provide a trash update: Our teams have been out doing two 12-hour shifts per day hitting the city litter cans. They’ve made good progress in clearing cans that were overflowing, and they’ll stay out on those two 12-hour shifts throughout the weekend.
For residential collections, we’re going to get started this weekend. This is our plan for the weekend, and I ask that you share this information with your neighbors:
- If your household normally gets Monday frontside collection, we are asking that you put your trash and recycling bins out front by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow for pickup on Saturday. For this coming week, the same trucks will take trash and recycling.
- If your household normally gets Tuesday frontside collection, put your trash and recycling bins out front by 6:00 a.m. on Sunday for a Sunday pickup.
- Starting today, we are bringing on additional bobcats that will start clearing pathways through the alleys. These pathways will allow our collection teams to walk into the alleys. We will prioritize clearing pathways in alleys that normally get Monday and Tuesday collection.
The goal is that by Monday we can resume collections on the regular schedule for alleys and frontside, but we know it will depend on how much progress we can make clearing pathways through the alleys. So, we are asking everyone to be on the lookout for another update on Sunday evening. Depending on our progress this weekend, we will make adjustments as necessary.
Where we still have problem areas near bus stops, the DC National Guard is also going to help clear pathways for pedestrians to get to and from the buses. So, let me say thank you to the guards who will be out shoveling. And let me also say thank you to our Safe Passage teams that have been out supporting the Snow Team and clearing crosswalks and sidewalks near schools.
We are also urging residents to use the sunlight this weekend and on Monday to make progress on your own sidewalks and walkways. If you don’t have the right equipment, see if you can borrow from a neighbor who has already cleared their sidewalk. You also might be able to find someone in the neighborhood to help you out. This weekend, we are also distributing free salt at sites across the city. Learn more about pickup times and locations HERE; availability is offered in designated time windows and advanced sign-up is recommended.
Again, I am grateful for all the people who are working together—whether you’re a public servant, a truck driver, or a helpful neighbor—to get our city back to a sense of normalcy. I’ve been happy to see more people moving around the city (and we’re very grateful for the teams at Metro who kept DC moving all week), and I know there’s a lot happening in the city this weekend. So, enjoy our city, keep looking out for each other, and we will be working throughout the weekend to make sure we hit trouble spots across all eight wards.
