Get all the latest updates from Councilmember McDuffie and our team
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Neighbor,
More and more residents are getting vaccinated, and starting May 1st, there will be walk-in vaccine clinics across the District. Now, business operators, workers, and faith leaders need a reopening roadmap that gives them clarity about the future and brings us up to speed with the rest of the country.
The District continues to enforce some of the strictest reopening guidelines nationwide; well beyond what our regional partners are currently pursuing in dining, worship, and hotel capacity. As other states and localities release their reopening plans, our stakeholders remain in the dark, which puts our businesses at a competitive disadvantage. I know folks are frustrated and worried about reopening, and I will continue to ask questions about what this process looks like.
In service,
Kenyan
In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:
* Kenyan in The News
* New Rent and Utilities Relief Program - STAY DC
* Kenyan in the Community
* Parking Enforcement & Ticket Amnesty Updates
* Small Business Spotlight
* DC Statehood Bill Passes House, Moves to Senate
* New Reopening Guidelines
* COVID-19 and Vaccine Updates
** Kenyan in The News
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Check out some of the articles Councilmember McDuffie was mentioned in recenty:
D.C. Council advances block-by-block plan for future city development (Washington P ([link removed]) ost ([link removed]) )
Council Advances Amendments on Comp Plan (City Paper ([link removed]) )
Efforts to redevelop Ivy City's Crummell School are stuck in limbo. The next few months could change everything (
Washington Business Journal ([link removed]) )
Woodrow Wilson High School Name Change Proposal Under Fire (
Washington Informer ([link removed]) )
Residents say Postal Service delays are leaving mailboxes empty in Northeast D.C. (Washington Post ([link removed]) )
D.C. Bars And Music Venues Consider Requiring Vaccination So They Can Reopen (City Paper ([link removed]) )
DC Deputy Mayor Wayne Turnage's Managed Care Soap Opera (Janetta Rose Barras ([link removed]) )
** New Rent and Utilities Relief Program - STAY DC
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STAY DC, a new relief program made possible by new federal funding provides support for back rent to pay unpaid rent going back to 4/1/20, upcoming rent for up to 3 months, utility expenses for water, gas, & electricity, and extended housing support available for 18 months per tenant
Call 833-478-2932 to apply
** Kenyan in the Community
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This weekend, Councilmember McDuffie went on a safety walkthrough in Riggs Park with 5A01 Commissioner Damion McDuffie representatives from the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, the Office of Community Relations and Services, and MPD.
Team McDuffie celebrated Earth Day with Green Scheme, Broccoli City, Fun It Up, Good Food Markets, Don’t Mute My Health, and His & Hers. We did some cleaning along South Dakota Avenue and then some gardening maintenance in the Langdon Community Garden.
** Parking Enforcement & Ticket Amnesty Updates
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Starting June 1st, District government will resume normal parking enforcement, vehicle towing, vehicle registrations, and inspection requirements. Additional enforcement measures till start on July 1st
Starting June 1st, the annual fee for an RPP sticker will increase from $35 to $50 for the 1st vehicle registered in a household. An exemption exists for one resident age 65+ per household. Additional fees will apply to other vehicles in a household. More information here ([link removed] 6/1/21, the annual fee for an RPP sticker will increase from $35 to $50 for the 1st vehicle registered in a household. An exemption exists for one resident age 65+ per household. Additional fees will apply to other vehicles in a household. [link removed]) .
The Mayor also announced a new ticket amnesty program. From June 1 until September 1, drivers will be able to pay outstanding tickets wihtout paying any penalties w/ new ticket amnesty program
** Small Business Spotlight
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Montello Barber Shop is back open for business! Earlier this month, Councilmember McDuffie hand-delivered their Great Streets Grant award letter. Make sure to support our Ward 5 businesses and get ready for those summer haircuts.
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The Rhode Island and Bladensburg Main Streets have opened their 3rd round of small business assistance grants. The deadline to apply is May 10th, you can apply here ([link removed])
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The Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program has been extended until May 31st. Apply for a first or second PPP loan here ([link removed]) .
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The Small Business Administration has announced a $28.6 billion dollar Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which will provide assistance to eligible restaurants, bars, & businesses impacted by Covid. The funding will be equal to pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10M per biz ($5M per location) Apply at [link removed] ([link removed])
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The Small Business Administration will also re-open the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application process soon. This $16B program will enable applicants affected by Covid to receive grants equalling up to 45% of gross earned revenue, up to $10M. learn more at [link removed] ([link removed])
** DC Statehood Bill Passes House, Moves to Senate
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On April 22nd, the House of Representatives voted 216 to 208 to pass HR 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. Now, the bill moves onto the Senate. President Biden recently announced his formal support for statehood.
** New Reopening Guidelines
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Starting May 1st, a number of covid guidelines are being changed. Indoor capacity for non-essential retail raised from 25% to 50% or 250 people, the seat per table limit at bars and restaurants raised from 6 to 10, and live music will be allowed outdoors.
Additionally, multi-purpose facilities, concert venues, cinemas, and theaters can open at 25% capacity (max 500 people), weddings and special events can operate at 25% capacity up to 250 people (indoors and outdoors), gyms can operate at 50% capacity up to 250 people, and pools can open. Finally, places of worship can admit up to 40% capacity for services. Virtual and outdoor services still encouraged, mandatory masking and social distancing remain in place.
** COVID-19 and Vaccine Updates
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On Saturday, May 1, DC will transition from an appointment-only system to 11 walk-in vaccination sites (no appointment needed). May 1st hours will vary because of the Mayor's day of action (full schedule below). There are three walk-up sites in Ward 5 - Langdon Park Community Center, Providence Health System, and Turkey Thicket Recreation Center.
If you know someone who wants the vaccine but is homebound, they can set up an appointment to have the vaccine come to them by calling 1-855-363-0333. Residents 16 or 17 years must continue to schedule their vaccine appointments with Children's National ([link removed]) .
If you're looking to find any other additional vaccine opportunities, check out vaccinefinder.org ([link removed]) .
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