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Coronavirus Update: Slow Streets, Transmission, & Statehood
Dear Neighbors,
State health departments are using contact tracing data to determine the primary source of coronavirus infection and spread. In the District of Columbia, the Department of Health (DC Health) has noted several sources such as workplace exposure, travel, accessing childcare facilities, and participating in indoor dining. What makes it difficult for contact tracers to identify a primary source of exposure is that in many instances, those who are known positive have engaged in multiple exposure activities. And, at the moment, local contact tracing data does not strongly correlate to any one primary source. This was the information presented to the Council on a conference call yesterday afternoon with the Executive's COVID-19 response team, and this reasoning is why we haven't seen a roll back of permissible activities, such as indoor dining—because the data does not yet point to a primary source. What contact tracing has been able to do so far is to help us identify residents for quarantine and enable DC Health to respond in real time to public health emergencies. For example, when more than one positive case is identified as being from the same workplace, the agency immediately conducts a site visit and advises on the proper safety protocols and sanitation practices that must be in place to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. This early intervention is critical in breaking the chain of infection.
As time progresses, we may see new trends and sources for infection/spread emerge, so the best thing you can do to protect yourself (and others) now is to continue to socially distance to the greatest extent possible, regularly wash your hands, and to wear a mask when outside of the home. Duke University recently conducted research on the effectiveness of various types of face masks, and this summary article by CNN may prove helpful for those interested in learning more on which types of face masks are the most effective, and which offer little to no protection at all.
Regards,
Mary
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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
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A Quick Note on Erroneous Board of Elections Mailer |
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Clarification on the GDS Property & New Foxhall Elementary School |
Ward 3 Schools - There were two major school developments for Ward 3 in this year's budget: funding for the construction of a new elementary school and funding allocated for the potential future purchase of a new middle school. As there has been some confusion between the two projects, here are some clarifying details and background information:
Two years ago, the Deputy Mayor for Education convened a working group to identify solutions to over-enrollment and increasing overcrowding in Ward 3 schools. One of the solutions proposed by the working group was the construction of a new elementary school. And so, the Mayor allocated funding in the FY 2021 budget to make this new school possible. This is the new Foxhall Elementary School project. This will be a 500 seat elementary school to be located on a District-owned site that also houses the Old Hardy School building (currently leased by The Lab School of Washington). The new Foxhall School will undoubtedly relieve overcrowding at the elementary level, but the issue of overcrowding at the middle school level remains.
Deal Middle School has been operating at 110% capacity, while nearby Hardy Middle School is quickly approaching full capacity. Late in the Council's budget process (after the committees held hearings and submitted their reports), the District government became aware that there will be an opportunity to purchase the Georgetown Day School's (GDS) Lower/Middle School property later this year. This presents the opportunity to relieve much of the overcrowding issues at area middle schools. The Council identified and allocated funding for this potential purchase so it would be available should the Executive choose to move forward. No offer has yet been made for this property (the availability of funding doesn't force an offer) and the amount allocated by the Council should be viewed as a cap for what the District may spend on a purchase. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, the property experts in the Executive branch must now analyze offer options and determine whether or how to move forward.
So, between these two projects, the Foxhall Elementary School is certain while a new middle school is an ongoing possibility, and I will keep residents updated on both projects as they develop.
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Good Read: Being Antiracist Requires Education & Action |
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An Opinion Piece from The DC Line -
"I hope all of us in Ward 3 will band together with our new neighbors at The Brooks and recognize our responsibility in this moment to use our privilege to build a more just community."
Cleveland Park resident Patty Stonesifer has published an opinion piece in the DC Line on how neighbors must become more accepting, welcoming, and supportive of the parents and children at The Brooks—many of whom have experienced discrimination since moving to the neighborhood. Read Patty's full piece here.
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Mortgage Assistance Program Relaunched for COVID-19 |
Relief for Homeowners - On Tuesday, Mayor Bowser announced the relaunch of the DC Mortgage Assistance Program (DC MAP) to include financial relief to homeowners who have struggled to maintain monthly mortgage payments as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Through DC MAP, qualified borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000/month toward their mortgage for up to six months.
Applicant qualifications include:
- The home must be the borrower’s primary residence and must be located in the District of Columbia
- The borrower must be able to document that their income was affected due to COVID-19
- The borrower must be the borrower on the home loan, not just a member of the household
- The borrower must show proof that they are not eligible for forbearance or other types of relief offered through the servicer and/or Hardest Hit Funds
District homeowners seeking assistance should call 1-833-429-0537 to begin the application process. Questions regarding DC MAP can be emailed to [email protected].
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DDOT Announces Additional Slow Streets |
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Social Distancing with Slow Streets -
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has announced a significant expansion to the Slow Streets initiative that will result in 22 miles of Slow Streets in the District. These streets are restricted to local traffic only where the speed limit is set to 15 miles per hour to support neighborhood-based safe social distancing while walking, running, or cycling.
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Ward 3's Slow Streets include:
- 39th Street NW between Massachusetts Avenue and Fulton Street NW
- Davenport Street NW between Nebraska Avenue and Linnean Street NW
- Yuma Street NW between Massachusetts Avenue NW and Connecticut Avenue NW
- 36th Street NW between Connecticut Avenue and Reno Avenue/Warren Street NW
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Councilmember Cheh Discusses A Statehood Puzzle |
From the Washingtonian - There's a wrinkle in the statehood bill that could give new power to whoever lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave
This summer, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 51, a bill that would make D.C. the country’s 51st state.
But there’s an odd wrinkle buried in H.R. 51 which could make statehood a proposition that’s costlier than Democrats think: Under their bill, there remains a federally controlled district in the middle of Washington, one that’s reduced to a few blocks around the Mall. And under the Constitution, the federal capital is guaranteed three electoral votes—whether it’s a big city or merely a tiny enclave surrounded by the 51st state....A number of scholars presented with the problem have essentially been left scratching their heads. “It’s a puzzle,” acknowledged Mary Cheh, Councilwoman for DC’s Ward 3, and a professor of constitutional law at George Washington Law School.
The core argument, says Cheh, concerns whether the 23rd Amendment is “self-executing”—whether it merely allows Congress to grant DC its voting powers, or if it commands Congress to. Democrats might argue that just as Congress can pass Section 21, it can revoke it. “The only problem with that argument is that the language is ‘shall.’ It’s so commanding,” says Cheh, referring to the text of the amendment—the capital shall appoint its electors. “That does seem to fly in the face of the purpose of the amendment.” And such an argument might not fly at all in a conservative-controlled Supreme Court.
Read the Full Story
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AARP Discussion: Resources for Caregivers during COVID-19 |
Caregiver Resouces - In the video above, The American Association of Retired Person's Brittany Kitt speaks with Morgan Whitlach of Quality Trust about the resources and services available to caregivers of people with developmental disabilities during the coronavirus pandemic. This is a must-listen conversation for caregivers and advocates! Click on the video above or click here to watch the discussion. |
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The UDC Campus Master Plan |
The Future of UDC - The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) recently held a virtual community meeting on the UDC Campus Master Plan to provide residents with an update on the University's plans and vision as part of the Forest Hills community.
This plan encompasses everything from re-purposing existing buildings, to planning new sustainable infrastructure, to activating vacant retail spaces under UDC's purview, and specific developments for faculty and students. As UDC manages around 90% of the vacant retail space along the commercial corridor, securing tenants for these spaces will be of particular importance for the community.
The Forest Hills Connection reported on the meeting and noted the following campus proposals under consideration by UDC:
- All faculty offices would be moved to 4250 Connecticut Avenue
- Building 44 would be developed into apartments for students and junior faculty
- Building 41 would be demolished and rebuilt to house the DC Archives
- Building 43, which provides the heating and AC system for the whole campus, would be demolished since all buildings would be rehabbed with their own systems
- The Theater of the Arts would be improved and programmed in partnership with Van Ness Main Street
- The tennis courts would be enclosed with more housing built above
- The university would incorporate green roofs and solar as much as possible
Click here to watch the UDC Campus Master Plan presentation and following community discussion. To read further on the meeting, please see the recent story in The Forest Hills Connection.
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Reminder: Take a Moment to Fill Out the 2020 Census |
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You Matter, So Get Counted - This month, the U.S. Census Bureau will deploy staffers to neighborhoods across the country to obtain Census data from those who have not completed their census. To avoid this in-person encounter, residents may still complete the census online to 2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020. Of course, if you still have the paper version that was mailed to you, you can complete it and mail it back at any time.
What does a census taker look like? Census takers work from 9 am to 9 pm and will present an ID badge with their name, photo, Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date. Always ask to see ID.
Find out if census takers are in your area by texting “DOOR” to 442020
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Ending this Update on a Happy Note:
Ivory Ban Becomes Law in Time for World Elephant Day 2020
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Happy World Elephant Day - Councilmember Cheh's "Ivory and Horn Trafficking Prohibition Act" passed Congressional review and officially became law on August 6th, just in time for World Elephant Day!
Five years in the making, the ban on the local sale of elephant ivory and rhino horn ensures that the District of Columbia will no longer remain the "nation's hub of ivory sales" or financially support an international market that endangers and brutalizes some of the world's most vulnerable animals.
To read more on this effort, please see the Humane Rescue Alliance's post on the bill's passage through the Council.
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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 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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