The April Meeting of the CRCA is Cancelled
As the COVID-19 virus spreads, we are unhappily learning that not only is it in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, it is here in 19128. Some of you may know people who have contracted the illness. We send our best wishes to all who are affected.
 
We are happy to say that the mailing list of the CRCA is over 700-strong and growing, because in a time like this, it is very good for the community to be able to stay in touch. This newsletter provides information and links to help keep you informed.  As we receive more information, we can forward it on to you this way.
 
RCO Reviews of Zoning Variances
The City does not know when ZBA (Zoning Board of Adjustment) hearings will resume. As soon as they provide that information, we will share it. 
 
In the meantime, the City says that "RCOs should not hold meetings to consider the developments that are before them. If there are alternate means of gaining public participation that are consistent with an RCO’s by-laws, the RCO is welcome to try those methods. This should not be read as encouraging RCOs to move projects forward at the expense of public engagement. Instead, RCOs that can review projects while still meeting their public input responsibilities may consider doing so.”
 
The CRCA bylaws do not preclude conducting meetings online. While not ideal, this may become necessary, and if so, we will notify members of the platform we intend to use to hold the meeting. We will provide links to view plans, etc., as needed.
 
At the moment, the CRCA has no zoning variances scheduled for review in the month of April. Depending on what happens when the ZBA resumes its hearings, we may have an application to review in May or June.
 
Want to Help Somehow? 
The Philly Food Warehouse at 401 Domino Lane in Roxborough is looking for volunteers. They have two portals that anyone can use to sign up for volunteer shifts. 

• One is through this link www.forphilly.com 
• The other is through the Mayor's Serve opportunities at this link.

They only have the upcoming week listed, but this will be a multi-week/monthly need, so folks can send out word now and in the future if they are scheduling ahead for social media.
 
Federal, State, and City Financial Resources for Businesses
Local businesses are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and apply for the following programs:

• Applications for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s new COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program, administered by Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), should be submitted to PIDC—the city’s Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO). The program offers zero interest loans of up to $100,000 to for-profit businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees.
• Applications for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Businesses are also encouraged to review SBA’s pending Paycheck Protection Program, recently approved in the CARES bill. 
• Additional information regarding local and national resources for businesses can be found here.
• Click here for information on the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund. 

Where Philly Children can Receive Free Meals

• This article from WHYY provides details.
• The City provides resources here.

Internet Access 
Through the Office of Innovation and Technology, the City is working to make sure everyone can remain connected and that those without Internet access can get it. This link will take you to a page listing some important updates on low-cost internet and wi-fi access that have been made available. The list also provides the updates made to mobile phone service plans to help support individuals during the COVID-19 crisis. Full updates for each company and any restrictions or limitations can be found on their respective websites. 
 
What to Do with the Groceries in Your House 
Whether you go to the store or get your groceries delivered, it is good to consider how to safely bring them into your home. As research on COVID-19 develops, people are learning that the virus may be contagious in ways not originally anticipated, lasting on cardboard, plastic, and metal for hours or longer. (See this National Institutes of Health news release for more information.)
 
Here is one helpful video on how to handle your groceries. Whether you find these steps necessary is up to your own judgment and circumstances, but it may give you some ideas of how to protect yourself and your families that you hadn’t considered.
 
COVID-19 & Other Health Information Resources

• The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has activated a Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline. It’s available 24/7. If you have questions about symptoms and risk factors, what to do if you think you may have been exposed, testing resources, or recommendations for social distancing, you can contact the helpline at 1-800-722-7112. Click here for more info.
• Roxborough Hospital provides this information for patients and visitors.
• Information on how to take care of your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak can be found here.
• Philadelphia Department of Public Health coronavirus info: https://www.phila.gov/covid-19/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) info: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
  World Health Organization (WHO) info:https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania info: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

Information concerning zoning issues can always be found at the Zoning page of the CRCA website:  http://crca.us/crca/zoning/index.html 

Remember to follow CRCA on Facebook!

You can sign up at the meeting to become a member of the CRCA with a contribution of $10 per person and $25 for a business.

If your membership has lapsed or if you've been to our last few meetings and want to make it official, it's easy!  Visit http://www.crca.us/crca/home/membership.html and join today!