Neighbors-
Tomorrow’s ANC meeting (PDF Agenda) has a light agenda. Mikko, an establishment widely supported by neighbors, is planning on changing their hours of operations to those similar to neighboring businesses (and aligned with ANC 2B guidelines). Some establishments are going through the process to implement electronic games of skill and sports wagering, there are a few minor public space applications, and there are a few proposed resolutions that build upon on earlier work from the commission. If you have any questions or feedback about any item on the agenda, as always, please let me know.
COVID-19
The District government has set up a website for information regarding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19: coronavirus.dc.gov. This is the primary site I use to get the latest official information as it pertains to D.C.
1615 Q St NW
On March 28, 2020, the 1600 Block of Q St NW will be closed. There will be work to set up a mobile crane beginning at 1 a.m. to then install a cooling system replacement for the Cairo at 1615 Q St NW. I have been assured that noise will be kept as minimal as possible overnight, although realistically, I understand there will be people working in the street through the early morning to set up for the workday. The north side of block will also have the sidewalk closed, so this will impact residents at the Cairo as well as neighbors in 1625 Q St NW and 1633 Q St NW.
Ward 2 Council: Upcoming Primary and Special Election
We in Ward 2 currently do not have a council member due to the resignation of Jack Evans. I am thankful Council Chair Phil Mendelson’s office has taken on Evans’ constituent services liaison, so we still have a contact at the council who is dedicated to Ward 2 issues until we have a permanent council member this summer. Here are important dates to mark:
- June 2, 2020: Primary election. Those registered as Democrats in their voter registration will be able to vote in the Democratic presidential primary as well as the Ward 2 council Democratic primary. Those registered as Republicans or another party will vote in the primary for the corresponding party. As it is very likely that the Democrat running for Ward 2 council will win the general election in November, in many ways this is the de facto election to choose our next council member for 2021.
- June 16, 2020: Special election. This election is open to all registered voters to determine the replacement council member for the rest of 2020.
I recommend checking your voter registration with the D.C. Board of Elections.
16th Street NW
Last month I was on WUSA 9 with Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau regarding the the 16th Street NW Bus Lanes Project. During rush hour, over half of the people using 16th Street are in a bus, but busses account for only 3% of the vehicle traffic. The dedicated bus lanes would work to make busses travel more efficiently and create a more attractive compared to bringing cars into our neighborhood. It has been a project planned for many years, something I have been asked about for years, and I’m thankful it is finally coming to fruition this summer. I also attended a recent meeting with a group of neighbors opposing parking being removed on 16th Street, and I have been receiving feedback from all angles regarding this project. I’m making sure feedback is being brought to the right departments to see how possible externalities can be best mitigated.
17th and Corcoran Sts NW
I am continuing to communicate with the Mayor’s office, the Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services (DMHHS) regarding the encampments on 17th and Corcoran. The latest from DMHHS: “Between DHS, DMHHS, and Miriam’s Kitchen, this site was visited roughly 4 times per week for the month of February. The residents are certainly being engaged and are being offered services. We have a scheduled cleanup engagement at this site for Thursday, 3/12, around 11 a.m.” I understand this situation is complicated and I am continuing to connect neighbors with government where I am able to.
Thanks for reading. Send me a note if you’d like to chat about anything!
Aaron Landry 