Home Sweet Home

December 29, 2021


Updates from Adams Morgan

Click Here to see previous updates in our newsletter archive

For the latest Covid info from the DC government, refer to: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/

Happy New Year from the Adams Morgan Partnership BID

As 2021 comes to a close, we'd like to take a moment to pause and recognize our members, partners, and supporters. Without all of you, AMPBID would not be as effective at keeping Adams Morgan clean, safe and friendly. For the second year now, COVID-19 has ravaged the District of Columbia, but it is because of your hard work that we've come this far in pandemic response, resilience, and recovery. We hope 2022 brings more health, safety, and security to all of you. With all of you by our side, we are ready to take on the new year.

Thank you again for your partnership as we all learn to live with this virus and also learn more each day about what we need to do to keep our community healthy and thriving.


Our offices will be closed on Friday, December 31.


Attention: Columbia Road Businesses

We recently distributed materials about the upcoming DDOT study of Columbia Rd. ( more info here ) and now DDOT wants to hear from you about how you receive deliveries. This is very important as we want to ensure that businesses' ability to receive the supplies they need is accounted for in any reconfiguration of the roadway.


👉 Please take a moment to fill out the short survey here . 👈


We have also been distributing fliers with a link to the survey this week.


DC Will Require Vaccination at Restaurants, Gyms, Theaters, and Other Indoor Venues Starting January 15

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, the District of Columbia is launching a city wide vaccination entry requirement (VaxDC), which calls for establishments to verify that patrons are vaccinated against COVID-19.


On January 15, 2022, per Mayor’s Order 2021-148, the District of Columbia will adopt a city wide vaccination entry requirement that requires COVID-19 vaccination to enter indoor facilities within the city.

Timeline for Vaccine Requirements

  • January 15, 2022: one dose for ages 12+
  • February 15, 2022: fully vaccinated for ages 12+

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required in the following locations:


Indoor establishments, such as:

  • Restaurants
  • Nightclubs
  • Taverns
  • Coffee shops
  • Food halls
  • Concert, live entertainment and sporting venues
  • Movie theatres
  • Bowling alleys
  • Gyms
  • Fitness studios
  • Any facilities used for group fitness classes
  • Recreation centers

Required Signage

Beginning on January 15, 2022, businesses shall display prominently, visible to patrons prior to entry, a notice informing patrons that proof of vaccination is required to enter any indoor portion of a covered location. Sample advisory notices are available for download in PDF format here and here .

Proof of Vaccination

Before patrons can access the indoor portion of the business, a business is required to check the patron’s proof of vaccination.


One of the following options will demonstrate proof of vaccination:

  • A physical Center for Disease Control (CDC) Vaccination Card
  • A digital copy/photo of a CDC Vaccination Card
  • A COVID-19 Verification App such as VaxYes or CLEAR


Join the Adams Morgan Partnership BID Board of Directors

The Adams Morgan Partnership BID (AMPBID) holds elections every year at our annual meeting in March. The board consists of 15 seats, nine of which are reserved for commercial property owners and six for business owners. Board members are elected to serve three-year terms (unless they are replacing a board member who resigned before the end of their term).

The nominations committee will be meeting in Mid-January, so if you are interested in board membership or know someone who is, please reach out to Kristen Barden or more information on qualifications and the election process, at 202-997-0783 or via email .

Adams Morgan in the News

Great Streets Grants applications are open!

Click Here to access the Great Streets Grant application.

The Great Streets Retail Small Business Grant is the hallmark grant opportunity for the Great Streets program. The grant has helped hundreds of small businesses renovate their storefront to attract new customers and drive profitability.


​The purpose of the grant is to support existing small businesses, attract new businesses, and transform designated commercial corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers.

If you need someone to help write the proposal for you, please reach out to one of the 14 small business technical assistance (SBTA) providers here . Many of them are funded by DC government to help support you so their fees are subsidized.



Updates from RAMW

from Kathy Hollinger, President, RAMW

We are able to share a bit more news that we hope may help with your future planning and alleviate some of the major staffing issues that many are experiencing throughout the region. Today, Mayor Bowser announced that DC has adopted the updated CDC guidance on isolation due to COVID-19. While official updated guidance has not been published by DOH to reflect the CDC guidance, operators can adopt CDC guidelines as they need to make decisions moving forward. We will share DOH published guidance once it is available. As a reminder, VA and MD automatically follow CDC guidance as it is updated. As we learn more about the virus and as new strains are introduced, protocol will also shift, and this latest guidance will help support our local business community and its workforce that continues to be negatively impacted by this virus.


Below is a detailed breakdown of the updated CDC guidance for different scenarios of positive tests and exposure.


What to do if your rapid or PCR test is positive?

  1. Start isolating from people immediately.
  2. Report your results online .
  3. Continue to isolate for 5 days. If you are contacted by a contact tracer, you should cooperate.
  4. After isolating for 5 days, regardless of vaccination status, you can end isolation if key metrics outlined below are met. If isolation ends after 5 days, you must continue to wear a mask, including around members of your household for another 5 days.

Updated CDC isolation guidance for a positive test, regardless of vaccination status. Regardless of vaccination status, a person who tests positive for COVID can leave isolation 5 days after testing positive as long as they:

  1. Do NOT have a fever; and
  2. Either have NO symptoms or their symptoms are improving; and
  3. Wear a mask around other people for 5 days

Updated CDC close contact guidance for fully vaccinated and boosted individuals. Per CDC guidance, if you found out you are a close contact of someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 and are fully vaccinated and boosted, you should:

  1. Wear a mask around others for 10 days
  2. Test on day 5, if possible
  3. You do not need to isolate, if you are not symptomatic or do not have a positive test

Updated CDC close contact guidance for unvaccinated or unboosted individuals. Per CDC guidance, if you found out you are a close contact of someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated or are not boosted, you should:

  1. Stay home and isolate for 5 days. After the 5 day isolation, you should wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  2. If you can’t quarantine, you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  3. Test on day 5, if possible.
  4. If you develop symptoms at any point, stay home and get tested.

Click here for DC’s situational update. Click here for the latest guidance from the CDC.


In DC, on the vaccination requirement for patrons , the Mayor’s Office presented a town hall and Q&A on the VaxDC vaccination requirement for indoor dining. As a reminder, proof of the first dose of vaccination will be required for all patrons 12+ dining indoors at restaurants, bars, and nightclubs starting Saturday, January 15, 2022.


An important note: since the Townhall the city has changed its stance on requiring ID, and now the business WILL BE REQUIRED to make sure the vaccination card matches a valid photo ID .


Below are a few key takeaways from the Q&A. Make sure to click here for a FAQ on the vaccination requirement as gleaned from yesterday’s Town Hall with DMPED.


Is there an option for patrons to show proof of a negative test instead of proof of vaccination? No. The patron must provide proof of vaccination. A negative test will not suffice.


Where does the vaccination check have to occur? If possible, the vaccination check should be done outside to avoid gatherings and bottlenecks. HOWEVER, if that is not possible, the proof of vaccination check can happen indoors and at the host station. The vaccination check should happen before the guests are seated or are at the bar.


How should religious and medical exemptions be handled? Religious exemptions are not permitted under the mandate. DC DOH will issue additional guidance regarding medical exemptions and we will share that information as soon as it’s available.


How should unruly or difficult guests be handled? Treat it like the mask mandate. If there is an emerging issue, call for police assistance, if necessary. Signage at your establishment will also help alleviate any questions.


Additional relief. As we mentioned last week, we are in conversations with the Council and the Mayor’s Office about additional financial assistance and support that could offset some of the cost of additional mandates coupled with significant revenue loss this most recent surge has had on our industry. We will keep you posted as soon as we have more details on this forthcoming line of support.


Mayor Bowser Announces Start of 2022 Christmas Tree and Holiday Greenery Collection

Yesterday  , Mayor Bowser, led by the Department of Public Works (DPW), announced that Christmas trees and holiday greenery will be collected from homes that receive DPW curbside between January 3 and February 28, 2022. Trees and greenery can be left at the normal point of collection for trash and recycling or at the curbside. Items collected during this period will be composted; in the spring, the mulch will be provided to residents at no cost.

Residents can also drop their Christmas trees and/or holiday greenery at one of four locations:

  • Benning Road Transfer Station (3200 Benning Road NE)
  • Fort Totten Transfer Station (4900 John F. McCormack Drive NE)
  • Bryant Street Sweep Shop (201 Bryant Street NW)
  • South Capitol Street Graffiti Shop (2700 South Capitol Street SE)

Highlights of the 2022 collection program include:

  • Collection for DPW-serviced households. Residents who receive curbside collection service from DPW (single-family homes and apartment buildings containing three or fewer housing units) are eligible for Christmas tree and holiday greenery collection. Households not serviced by DPW (for example, larger apartment buildings) should consult with their landlord/property owner for collection procedures.
  • Where to place trees and greenery. DPW will collect Christmas trees from the normal point of collection for trash/recycling or curbside.
  • Remove decorations. When setting items out for collection, residents should remove all ornaments and lights. Do not place trees and greenery in a bag.
  • Trees become free compost for residents. Trees and greenery collected through February 28 will be composted. District residents can collect up to five 32-gallon bags of the free compost year-round while supplies last at the Fort Totten Transfer Station. Residents must bring their own bags.
  • Composting not guaranteed after February 28. After that date, residents can still place Christmas trees and holiday greenery where their trash is collected; however, composting is not guaranteed. The items will be picked up with the trash as space in DPW trucks permits.
  • Steps if Christmas tree and/or holiday greenery was not collected. Contact 311 to create a “Christmas Tree Removal - Seasonal” service request.
  • Safety protocols in place. To help safeguard employees and the community, DPW crews will continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, hand wash and hand sanitize frequently. Vehicles and equipment will be cleaned and sanitized before and after every shift.


Update: New Requirements for District Food-Serving Entities

As a reminder, beginning January 1, 2022, food-serving entities, such as restaurants, schools, hospitals, religious institutions, and nonprofits, shall not distribute disposable straws, utensils, napkins, and other accessory food ware unless these items are specifically requested by the customer or provided at a self-serve station.


DOEE understands that training staff, updating operating software, and other aspects of making the transition to compliant practices takes time. As such, we will focus the first six months of the year on education and compliance assistance through regular inspections. Beginning July 1, 2022, entities found to be noncompliant with these new requirements will receive first a Notice of Violation (warning letter) and then a Notice of Violation (fine) if noncompliance continues.


DOEE is interested in setting businesses up for success as the District continues to expand policies and practices that work to reduce needless waste, litter, and pollution in our communities and waterways. More information and resources are available:

  • Select food-serving entities will receive a letter in the New Year with a printed copy of the attached flyer and decal. If you don’t receive a letter in the mail by the end of January, let us know and we will mail it to you.
  • Utensils by Request website with more information and translated flyers: doee.dc.gov/service/utensils
  • Utensils by Request Contact: Kyaira Ware at (202) 815-4112 or kyaira.ware@dc.gov
  • Coming soon in spring 2022: Ditch the Disposables Grant Program to help food-serving businesses and organizations transition to reusable food ware. Visit doee.dc.gov/disposables or email Sonia.Saini@DC.gov for program updates and application information.


Mayor Bowser Reminds All Businesses to Prepare for the Winter Months

On behalf of Mayor Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture we want to make sure you are fully aware of the DC Fire and EMS and DDOT’S tents, temporary outdoor structure, and outdoor heater guidelines. We also want to make sure that you are aware of the DC Fire and EMS outdoor heater permit requirements that are in effect for this upcoming season.


Outdoor Heating Guidelines and Permits

  • DC Fire and EMS is your point of contact
  • For any questions or assistance with applying online for a permit call (202) 442- 4447 or contact Lieutenant John Barnes via email at barnes@dc.gov or (202) 727-3650
  • You can apply for a permit here .
  • Please email us at nightlife@dc.gov for a copy of the DC Fire & EMS Fire Prevention and Winter Heating Information Session for Streateries slide check and presentation recording

For Outdoor Tents and Temporary Outdoor Shelters

  • District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is your point of contact
  • For the full list of guidelines and permit requirements for outdoor shelters published by DDOT please visit https://ddot.dc.gov/page/streateries-district or call (202) 673-6813 Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:15 am to 4:45 pm

Winter Weather Notifications

  • Inclement Weather : During inclement weather, you will be notified via email by the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency prior to pretreatment of the roads
  • Snow Emergency : If Mayor Muriel Bowser declares a Snow Emergency, Streateries, Parklets, and sidewalk cafes shall not be used. We also ask operators to bring their furniture inside

Thank you for your time, and if you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email at nightlife@dc.gov.


Metro Holiday Service Information

Below is a summary of Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess service during the holiday season. Metrorail will continue operating at reduced service levels through the end of the year. Customers should be mindful of the ongoing Rockville Canopy Replacement Project, for which shuttle buses replace trains between Shady Grove, Rockville, and Twinbrook during Metrorail operating hours.

Friday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve)

  • Metrorail will operate 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m, opening two hours later than a normal weekday. The time of the last train varies by station .
  • Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule
  • MetroAccess subscription trips will be canceled

Saturday, January 1 (New Year's Day) Metrorail will operate 7:00 a.m until midnight, closing one hour earlier than a normal Saturday

  • Metrobus will operate normally on a Saturday schedule
  • MetroAccess subscription trips will be canceled

MetroAccess service for customers with disabilities will operate the same hours as Metrorail and Metrobus; however, subscription trips will be canceled. Customers wishing to travel on the holidays should make a separate reservation online or by calling 301-562-5360 (TTY 301-588-7535).

Submit your events and specials!

List your Adams Morgan events and business specials on our webpage for free! Click here to go to the event submission form, fill it out completely, and click on "submit event." Event submissions are reviewed to ensure the events either take place within the Adams Morgan business district or are being put on by an Adams Morgan business, and once approved should appear on the website within 48 hours.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsor one of our community events! Partner with our community while reaching some of the city's most desirable demographics. For details, contact Kristen Barden at 202-997-0783.

Tag us on social media!

© Adams Morgan Partnership