Dear Ward 3 residents,

I want to wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving tomorrow! COVID-19 has made this a different -- and for many, difficult -- holiday. Please know that I am thinking of you all.

This holiday, please remember the importance of socially distancing, avoiding gatherings, and wearing a mask. Let's also remember that physical distance doesn't mean we need to ignore our friends and neighbors. I have seen many examples of residents helping and supporting each other, so let's continue to be there for each other during these hard times.

If anyone is alone this Thanksgiving and wants to have a Zoom call with me in the late afternoon on Thanksgiving (no discussion of issues allowed -- just a friendly call on the holiday!), please reach out and let me know. I want to make sure no one in our community is alone.



Below is information about the upcoming City Council meeting next Wednesday and other information. A few notes about voting items this coming Wednesday:

• The Council is scheduled for a vote on the resolution extending the closure of the one lane of Laurel Ave. I have heard from residents some concern about the ambiguous "sunset clause" in the resolution. I'm working on draft language to propose that will make this process clearer. I have also been working to get more information about COVID regulations with regard to tent use.
• The Council will be voting on releasing the "hold" on the Housing & Community Development Director position, which the Council voted to put on hold during our budget process. Although I was initially very hesitant during the budget process to fill this position, I have had an opportunity to review the information and look into how this position would enable more effective and strategic assistance to our residents and small businesses struggling during this difficult time. Thus, I am inclined to support the release for this hold so that we can hire a person for this position soon. I believe that support for the work of this department is one of the most critically important ways to spend City funds at this time because it is directly improving the lives of those most in need.

Another thank-you to all of you who have taken my Ward 3 Survey so far! If you haven't, please fill it out by Sunday to share your thoughts on what you hope for the future, what you are worried about, and what you are excited to work on.

Happy Thanksgiving, Ward 3!

Sincerely,

• Single Reading Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Contract for Facilitation Services for Reimaging Public Safety Task Force
• Single Reading Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Contract for Executive Search Services for the City Manager Recruitment Process (link to be posted next week)
• Resolution Extending Use of Public and Private Space for Outdoor Seating, Sales, and Customer Pickup
• Resolution Removing HCD Director Position from the Hold List
• Single Reading Ordinance Authorizing Execution of a Contract for Tree Removal and Pruning at Various Locations

• Legislative Update
• Library Expansion and Renovation Plans, Options, and Costs

News & Information
 

Pepco Substation Night Construction
As many of you know, Pepco's work at their substation along New Hampshire Ave has been resulting in extremely loud noise. Mayor Stewart, Councilmember Dyballa, Prince George's County Councilmember Deni Taveras, and I worked last week on improving the situation to reduce the nighttime noise for residents. MDOT at first would not provide a permit for the Pepco work during the daytime due to traffic impacts. A huge thank-you to our fantastic District 20 State Delegates (Senator Smith and Delegates Charkoudian, Moon, and Wilkins) for their assistance, which persuaded MDOT to allow daytime work!

Unfortunately, this work still involves two more evenings until midnight. You can expect the work to halt during the Thanksgiving weekend. There will be work again from 7pm to midnight on Mon, Nov. 30, and Tues, Dec. 1. At this point, they have indicated that should be the end of the noisy work, but we will continue to monitor the situation. See here for the Pepco letter explaining their plans.



117 Elm Ave/JNA Property Purchased
The former John Nevins Andrews School at 117 Elm Ave has been sold to Centro Evangelistico, which also has a location on George Ave in Petworth. I'm still seeking more information about this, but my understanding is that they expect to use the existing building after making renovations to the gym and stage to serve as a worship hall and installing a sprinkler system and upgrades to meet fire code.

This space is envisioned as a second location for members from Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. Their intention seems to be to use the space for religious, education, and childcare purposes, but the exact framework of what that will be is still unclear.

Montgomery County zoning code allows religious institutions in R-60 zoned areas. I'm working to make sure I fully understand the requirements so I can share more information with you, but it appears they may be allowed to operate an educational/childcare facility without a conditional use permit because they are a religious institution.



Takoma Park Former WAH Site Opening Infusion Center to Treat COVID-19 Patients
The Adventist HealthCare Takoma Park Alternate Care Site (ACS) -- on Carroll Ave at the location of the former Washington Adventist Hospital site -- has opened one of several infusion centers in Maryland that will administer monoclonal antibody treatments to COVID-19 patients.
 
The monoclonal antibody, bamlanivimab, was released to the state for treatment of COVID-19 under an Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Working through the state, physicians will be able to refer patients who meet specific criteria to the Takoma Park ACS to receive the treatment by appointment only.
 
Bamlanivimab is administered by a nurse through IV infusion over a few hours. The center will be open Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
 
In addition to the outpatients who will visit the new infusion center, the healthcare system also has opened 42 beds to care for recovering COVID-19 patients on specially opened units in the former Washington Adventist Hospital.


Legislative Testimony Site
The State Legislative Session will start in January, and the City of Takoma Park typically provides testimony in support or opposition to key bills impacting the city. As we look ahead, testimony will be posted here on the City website: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/legislative-advocacy/.


Sligo Creek Parkway Closed to Vehicles for Thanksgiving
Sligo Creek Parkway's closure for recreation and exercise will be extended this week due to the holiday. It will be closed to vehicles Wednesday, November 25 at 12 p.m. through Sunday, November 29 at 4 p.m. for recreation and exercise.  The parkways have been typically open for pedestrians and bicyclists (closed to motor vehicles) on weekends beginning Friday morning through Sunday evening.


Takoma Park Recreation Center Visioning Sessions
There will be a number of upcoming engagement sessions related to the Takoma Park Recreation Center on New Hampshire Ave. Please click on the links below to sign up to take part in one of the upcoming visioning/goal-setting sessions:

• December 1, 6:00pm
• December 4, 12:00pm
• December 5, 12:00pm

There is also a Community Art Contest for all ages!  The contest will be open until year-end, and submissions can be provided by email or at a designated drop box location.  Click here to learn more.