DC Government

“AG Racine Demands Washington Sports Club Cease Charging Membership Dues Amidst Coronavirus Closures”

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: This demand follows multiple complaints discussed here.

From the DC Attorney General’s Office:

“Attorney General Karl A. Racine, New York AG Tish James, and Pennsylvania AG Josh Shapiro today demanded Town Sports International, LLC (TSI) stop charging membership dues to gym members during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In the District, TSI’s Washington Sports Club (WSC) facilities are closed as part of the District’s emergency response to the pandemic. While many fitness clubs have provided automatic membership freezes at no cost, TSI has continued to charge District customers for memberships they cannot use. (more…)

“The bus cuts affecting our neighbors will be reversed!!!”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

Thanks to ANC Rep Kishan Putta for sending the update:

“Neighbors,

Thank You!  The bus cuts affecting our neighbors will be reversed!!!

Our many months of hard-fought advocacy have paid off. We heard from hundreds of you. I testified 5 times about it. Thank you for all the helpful input and emotional stories you sent to me and to Metro. We worked hard to ensure that Metro, the Council, and the Mayor all heard your voices – loudly!

  • D1, G2, 54, 59, 30-N/S, 16-C bus service will NOT be cut. Metro will vote Thursday on the new proposal after over 5,000 comments on just these routes.

(more…)

Street Sweeping (and ticketing) Suspension Continued Until April 27th

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

Lots of folks have been asking about street sweeping since the initial suspension has expired. DPW reassures us that the suspension has been extended until April 27th. And for emergency workers who have to drive DPW says: “Suspending all enforcement but safety hazards. Blocked crosswalks, hydrants, etc.”

Should the public health emergency extend beyond April 27th – you can expect these extensions to follow as well.

“Can you explain how privately funded construction are considered essential during Covid-19?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I have a real concern. My really good friend of 20 years and neighbor is an infectious disease doctor who is risking her life every day dealing with the Covid-19. I am sure she was super happy with the Mayor’s decision to put everyone on stay at home orders.

However, I woke up this morning and private construction crew on a building next to ours is still at work. There are approximately 50 people outside our house at all times because of this. I’ve contacted 911 but they said they cant do anything. I then contacted 311 and the exchange with the person who answered was pretty much its my fault for choosing to live next to a construction site. I have lived here 6 years and the past 2 years this construction has taken place and will not stop. They even got around working Sundays on a few occasions. How is this okay? How are they essential? They are claiming that status even though its a privately owned property.

My Letter to the Mayor: (more…)

“Pandemic unemployment and DC”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Has anyone, who traditionally unable to apply for Unemployment insurance (insufficient work history/1099 worker), but now eligible through the CARES Act, been able to apply in DC?”

Ed. Note: Unemployment resources from DC here.

Also, Councilmember Elissa Silverman gives these sobering stats: (more…)

BREAKING: “Mayor Bowser Issues Stay-At-Home Order”

By Prince Of Petworth

Update: “VII. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Order shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2020 and will continue to be in effect through April 24, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by a subsequent Order.”

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, due to an increasing number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Washington, DC and across the region and the nation, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for the District of Columbia. This order reinforces the Mayor’s direction to residents to stay at home except to perform essential activities.

“Our message remains the same: stay home,” said Mayor Bowser. “Staying at home is the best way to flatten the curve and protect yourself, your family, and our entire community from COVID-19. Many people want to know how they can help right now, and for most people this is how – by staying home.”

The Mayor’s Order specifies that residents may only leave their residences to: (more…)

“DC Board of Elections Launches Major Mail-in Ballot Effort for June 2 & 16 Primary & Special Elections”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

From a press release (via the office of CM Charles Allen):

“Today, the District of Columbia Board of Elections announced a significant effort to encourage District voters to use a mail-in ballot for the upcoming June 2 Primary Election and June 16 Ward 2 Special Election. The initiative is intended to protect residents’ health and prevent the spread of COVID-19, while ensuring that eligible residents remain able to vote, a core facet of our democracy.

“District voters can already vote by mail thanks to our low-barrier, ‘no excuse’ absentee ballot process. We’re taking a huge step forward to get a ballot into the mailbox of every District voter who asks for one while still maintaining some in-person Vote Centers. These are smart steps to protect the fundamental right to vote while adapting to unprecedented health and safety concerns,” said Councilmember Charles Allen, Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety.

Vote-by-Mail: Current District law allows DC voters to request a mail ballot for any reason (traditionally called our “no-excuse absentee ballot”) by visiting the Board of Elections’ website or using the Vote4DC mobile application. This process is functionally a Vote-by-Mail system already in place, but the Board has never pushed this option as such. (more…)

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