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Ward 3 Update:
Dear Neighbors,
The Ward 3 COVID Center will open tomorrow, February 4th, at the Chevy Chase Pavilion in the Friendship Heights neighborhood. The launch of this site has been weeks in the making and will serve as a one stop shop for residents to access vaccinations, boosters, take-home rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, and KN95 masks (note: the distribution of KN95 masks is currently limited to two masks per District resident, so please be sure to bring proof of identification). While not centrally located in the Ward, this site practically sits on top of the Friendship Heights Metro Station, has both garage and neighborhood parking, and is accessible by several bus lines.
If you are not familiar with the Chevy Chase Pavilion, the address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW. The Ward 3 COVID Center's upcoming hours of operation are below:
- Monday: 10 am - 8 pm
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday: 10 am - 8 pm
- Thursday: 11 am - 9 pm
- Friday: 9 am - 7 pm
- Saturday: 10 am - 8 pm
- Sunday: 9 am - 7 pm
This month also marks several important dates during the limited public health emergency. Not only has the emergency declaration been extended through February 15th (for more on what this means, please click here), but the indoor mask mandate for certain congregate spaces has been extended through February 28th.
It is also important to note that the vaccination for entry requirement will become even more stringent on February 15th, and residents will be required to show proof of either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for entry into certain indoor spaces. This will apply to everyone aged 12 and older, so, if you are eligible for the second dose in your vaccine series, please make plans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Regards,
Mary
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Ward 3's First Housing Production Trust Fund Investment |
From The Washington Post - D.C. announces first affordable housing project in Ward 3 backed by housing production trust
"The development will add 93 units to a Friendship Heights senior living facility known as the Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home that will accommodate District residents “at a range of income levels,” according to D.C. officials.
Though the Lisner Home project makes up only a fraction of the new housing announced Wednesday, Council Member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) said she hopes the senior facility opening its doors will kick off a wave of new affordable housing options in neighborhoods like Friendship Heights, Chevy Chase and Tenleytown where affordable housing stock remains low.
Cheh said “there is considerable support for increasing the availability of affordable housing in the ward” and that many of her constituents see the issue as a “moral obligation.”
Read the Full Story
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Remembering Ward 3 Neighbor & UDC Professor Edgar S. Cahn |
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Honoring the Life & Legacy of Edgar Cahn - On February 1st, the Council voted in unanymous support of Councilmember Cheh's Ceremonial Resolution to honor the remarkable life and legacy of service of Edgar S. Cahn.
Edgar was a visionary lawyer, social justice organizer, legal scholar, and educator at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law. March 23rd, 2022 will be known as Edgar Cahn Day in the District of Columbia. To read more on this remarkable Ward 3 neighbor, please see:
The Edgar S. Cahn Legacy Recognition Resolution of 2022
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Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Kennedy Center - To commemorate the Year of the Tiger, the REACH at the Kennedy Center has been illuminated with 100 lanterns (all crafted by Chinese artisans) for residents and families to enjoy. The lanterns will be on display through Monday, February 6th. For more information, please see: Lunar New Year Winter Lanterns.
Upgrading DC Streetlights - The Council has approved a new streetlight contract that will significantly upgrade the District's streetlight system. As reported in DCist, replacing the fixtures will cut streetlight energy use in half and prevent 38,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year —equivalent to not driving about 87 million miles.
The Council's Performance Oversight Season has Begun - Click here for a summary from The Forest Hills Connection on the District's ongoing performance oversight and budget work in areas such as transportation, public safety, housing affordability, & more.
Offer Input on Metro's Budget - The public comment period for Metro's Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget is officially open. Metro is encouraging the public to share feedback on fare and service proposals before the comment period ends at 5 pm on Tuesday, February 15th. To provide written comments, please see: wmata.com/budget.
VPP Extension Reminder - A quick reminder that residents' hard copy 2020 visitor parking passes will remain valid through April 15th, 2022.
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Closing a Loophole to Protect the Tree Canopy |
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Protecting the Tree Canopy - 27 heritage trees (defined as those old growth trees with a circumference between 44-100 inches) were illegally removed in 2021. Last week, a heritage tree, suspected to be over 100 years old, was illegally cut down by developers in the Takoma neighborhood. Unfortunately, due to a loophole in the law, the District's Urban Forestry Division was helpless to stop the removal.
The Urban Forest Preservation Authority Amendment Act of 2021, introduced by Councilmembers Cheh and Allen, will close that loophole and empower the District's arborists with stop-work order authority to immediately stop the illegal removal of the District's old growth trees.
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Regular Metrobus Service to Return Next Week! |
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Rebuilding Bus Service - After weeks of reduced bus service, regular weekday Metrobus service will return on February 7th. This service restoration is linked with the reduction in area coronavirus case numbers, driver recovery, and a return of drivers to work. The current service interruption demonstrates how getting vaccinated and wearing a mask (especially during times of high transmission) helps to protect the community and maintain the operation of essential services. |
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Financial Support Available for Local Businesses |
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Ending this Update on a Happy Note:
Celebrate Black History Month with the Local Arts Community
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Honor & Celebrate - The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the DC Black History Celebration Committee have put together an event guide to celebrate the many virtual and in-person Black History Month events being held across the District.
These free events include art exhibits, community presentations, book discussions, music events, film showings, and more. Click below for the full guide to all local Black History Month events:
Black History Month 2022 Event Guide
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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 email or phone through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent services requests.
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