DC Government

Photo by Lisa Kaneff

Thanks to Lance for sending: “Page 21 of DC’s COVID bill requires buildings to refund amenity fees if closed during emergencies”. It says:

“(b) If, during a public health emergency that has been declared pursuant to section 5a of 478 the District of Columbia Public Emergency Act of 1980, effective October 17, 2002 (D.C. Law 479 14-194, D.C. Official Code § 7-2304.01) and consistent with applicable law or an Order issued 480 by the Mayor pursuant to section 5a of the District of Columbia Public Emergency Act of 1980, 481 effective October 17, 2002 (D.C. Law 14-194, D.C. Official Code § 7-2304.01), a housing 482 provider temporarily stops providing:483 “(1) An amenity that a tenant pays for in addition to the rent charged, then the 484 housing provider shall refund to the tenant pro rata any fee charged to the tenant for the amenity 485 during the public health emergency; or 486 “(2) A service or facility that is lawfully included in the rent charged, then the 487 housing provider shall not be required to reduce the rent charged pursuant to section 211 of the 488 Rental Housing Act of 1985 (D.C. Code sec. 42-3502.11).”.

“Capital View on 14th St NW has reopened its roof and pool. Saturday, May 2, 2020”

“Dear PoPville,

I’d be interested to know the status of rooftops for buildings around DC? I emailed mine after the Mayors order struck language around rooftops from some of the social distancing guidelines and the building had no plans to reopen, however I see some are open based on friends social media posts.”

Photo by Tim Brown

From the Mayor’s Office:

“After launching the ReOpenDC Advisory Group, Mayor Muriel Bowser is seeking feedback from District residents, workers, and employers through an online survey and virtual town hall.

“Like cities and countries around the world, the District’s response to COVID-19 has been unprecedented, and so too will be the process of reopening,” said Mayor Bowser. “Every resident has a seat at the table and an opportunity to share their perspective, thoughts, and dreams. Our hope isn’t just to simply ReOpenDC, but to be a better DC when we do reopen.”

The ReOpenDC Virtual Town Hall will provide an opportunity for District residents to learn about the work of ReOpenDC and to ask questions of Mayor Bowser and ReOpenDC co-chairs, Ambassador Susan Rice and Secretary Michael Chertoff. The virtual town hall will occur on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. To register, visit coronavirus.dc.gov/reopendc.

“Our focus will be on harnessing the best ideas from residents and experts across the public and private sectors to plan the re-opening of the District,” said Ambassador Rice. “Only through active and ongoing engagement with our neighbors will we be able to form a plan for reopening that aligns with public expectations while emphasizing the need to improve the quality-of-life of all District residents.”

The ReOpenDC survey, which can also be accessed on coronavirus.dc.gov/reopendc, asks residents to share their feedback regarding reopening, as well as any big ideas, concerns, or feedback about reopening. (more…)