CLICK HERE for up-to-date listings of which Adams Morgan businesses are open during this crisis and what their delivery/carryout/gift card options are.

Home Sweet Home

May 26, 2020

#InThisTogether

Updates from Adams Morgan

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

Resources for small businesses: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-business

Click Here to see previous updates in our newsletter archive


Notes from the Adams Morgan Partnership BID (AMPBID) including PPE starter kit update

Today, Mayor Bowser gave a situational update and indicated that reopening in Stage 1 is still slated for this Friday May 29, as tomorrow (Wednesday) will hopefully mark day 14 in COVID-19 case decline, and the District is on target in terms of having contact tracers in place.

BIDs like the AMPBID and Main Streets organizations are getting information now on how businesses will be able to pick up "starter kits" of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at the end of the week/over the weekend from centralized locations. We will post information and a link on our website, once all of that information is available, for you to request materials. Tomorrow, the Mayor is expected to address the protocol and implementation around the Reopen DC plan during her press conference and offer additional guidance throughout the day to address outstanding questions. We will keep you posted on updates and details here in this eNewsletter.

There have been a lot of changes the past 10 very heavy weeks and we appreciate your patience and nimbleness to be exceptionally flexible.

We've tried to get a lot of information out to you in this eNewsletter - almost daily -- whether it was how to apply for PPP or EIDL loans or the DC Microgrants or how to get in touch with utility companies to request payment plans (and fielding all the questions that came our way as we all tried to navigate these changing times).

And although It continues to be a very challenging time, with many fixes needed along the way, we are here to help in whatever way you need us to be. We are hopeful that some of the DC and Federal relief will remain in place on a permanent basis.  Going forward, we are still thinking about what our community of mostly small businesses will need beyond this moment, in long-term relief that will help businesses survive in the future and carry through all phases of reopening and beyond.



#AdamsMorganStrong video launched to highlight Adams Morgan businesses, raise money for Adams Morgan Day

video

We've put together a short music video highlighting dozens of our 240+ small businesses that need your help during these difficult times so that we can have more laughs, more meals together, more fun, and more time TOGETHER. Consider making a donation at admodc.org/support to support Adams Morgan Day.


DDOT update on sidewalk cafe extensions, parklets, and full street closures

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) participated in a conference call with DC BIDs this morning in anticipation of the imminent release of guidelines. Below are notes from the meeting:

Timing of Guidelines

  • The hope is that the guidelines for sidewalk cafe expansions, parklets and streateries will come out tomorrow (Wednesday)
  • Assuming the same is true for sidewalk widening under Vision zero
  • Aiming for TOPs application portal for this will be open on Friday

Applying to extend a sidewalk cafe

  • Businesses with existing sidewalk cafes can apply to extend cafe space, preferably sideways
  • Can expand sidewalks the left or the right depending on adjacent business use
  • To expand in front of another business, they would need written consent from the affected tenant or property owner.

Applying to install a parklet

  • Individual businesses can apply to install a parklet in parking spaces in front of their business to their property line
  • City will not be providing materials for parklet installation (including safety barriers)
  • The guidelines for what barriers will be required will come out tomorrow.
  • There will be no fees charged for parklet installation or sidewalk cafe extension
  • Expanded Sidewalk cafes will be governed by the existing ABRA licenses (no additional fees)
  • They will be permitted through October 25, 2020

"Streateries"

There are three levels of streateries:

Level 1: Use of Curb lane of parking - these would be set up 24/7 through October 25

Level 2: Use of Curb lane plus a travel lane 24/7

Level 3: The whole street - full closures would be time limited (ie. Thursday/Friday or weekends only - unless it is a small block) details will be forthcoming. For Level 3 Streateries:

  • Only BIDs, Main Streets and ANCs can apply for these NOT an individual business
  • The expectation is that this would be coordinated with the businesses to ensure there is not conflict with transit, pick up and delivery zones could still be accessed, delivery of goods, trash collection, etc...
  • DDOT can only provide barriers for full street closures.
  • Businesses serving in “Streateries” would be governed by their current ABRA liquor licenses hours.
  • Tents will be allowed to be set up in Streateries for shade but not larger than 10x10 tents.
  • No live music will be allowed.

Businesses without sidewalk cafes who want to create outdoor space

  • Those businesses without a current sidewalk cafe can apply for one
  • There is an insurance requirement for the use of outdoor space
  • More guidance is needed on this - especially re permitting process and liability.

Fees

  • DDOT will not be charging permitting fees for any of these and ABRA will not be imposing any fees in addition to the existing fees.

Rooftop won't be allowed to open in Phase 1 but summer gardens will be.


Update from RAMW

From Kathy Hollinger, President of RAMW

Heading into this week I know you all have your heads in reopening as most of the Metro Area moves into phase/stage one at the end of the week or early next week. That transition is equal parts a welcome relief and a new and difficult challenge for those who are choosing to utilize available outdoor space. On Friday, we tackled many of your issues on DC’s reopening and shared resources and tools ( see here ) as you plan for these upcoming transitions.

Throughout these weeks, our elected and appointed officials have had a willingness to support a variety of relief efforts to ensure that the small independent businesses that make up the fabric of our region can sustain and once again thrive, and our expectation is that they will continue on this path. As longer term opportunities come to fruition, we look forward to sharing details with you about strategic potential legislative measures we are pushing for to ensure ongoing relief.

This week, we want you to focus on reopening. We also want you to be prepared for a FINAL and very LOUD outreach to Congress to fix PPP. If it is ever going to get fixed, it will be this week. This final effort will take a village. And together with our friends at the National Restaurant Association, fellow state restaurant associations, and the Independent Restaurant Coalition, who have all worked so hard in coordination along the way, we have one final opportunity to make Congress fix PPP on behalf of our industry. The House is slated to vote on bipartisan legislation on Wednesday -- the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act , H.R. 6886 -- that will make real changes in PPP.

Briefly, the legislation would:

  1. Allow forgiveness for expenses beyond the 8-week covered period.
  2. Eliminate restrictions limiting non-payroll expenses to 25% of loan proceeds.
  3. Eliminate restrictions that limit loan terms to 2 years.
  4. Ensure full access to payroll tax deferment for businesses that take PPP loans.
  5. Extend the rehiring deadline to offset the effect of enhanced Unemployment Insurance.

Once the House votes this week, the Senate returns from recess next week to consider this legislation and will need to hear these same calls so they move the bill along quickly. Stay tuned for details this week as we ask you to be loud in your outreach and social media so our industry is heard.


Consulting Help With Your Restaurant's Recovery

from Linda Roth Associates, Inc. (an Adams Morgan business located at 2424 18th Street in Adams Morgan, above Wawa)

Like all small businesses, we are navigating the effects of the pandemic and learning as we go. We love the restaurant community and are dedicated to ensuring restaurants, suppliers, and food & beverage producers survive and thrive after this crisis has passed.

What we do best is offer our expertise to businesses in need. We are proud to announce a new complimentary consultation program intended to help foodservice businesses approaching new phases of recovery. If your community is loosening restrictions, or you have decided to adapt your business model, please reach out and let our experienced marketers and digital strategists provide insights and guidance as you consider your path forward.

Starting Tuesday, May 26, through the end of June, we will focus our efforts on guiding interested restaurateurs and makers through best practices related to PR and Digital Marketing. We will devise personalized solutions related to messaging around reopening (whatever that looks like), promotional resources (many of which are free), thoughtful social media, and affordable ways to reach diners, navigate the media, and rebuild revenue.

Step 1: Take 10 minutes to complete the below questionnaire to help us understand your business and recovery goals.

→ START THE PROCESS

Step 2: You will receive a link to schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation.

Step 3: When we connect, come prepared with questions, and we will pull from our decades of work in and around hospitality to help get you through this.

Step 4: We will follow up to provide any specific resources that we think will help.


Community Leader TeleTownhall on Coronavirus, Wednesday, May 27

Click Here for more information and to register


Learn the Basics of Getting Your Business Online, Thursday May 28

Are you looking to move your business online but have no idea where to start? Has COVID-19 impacted your business's regular way of working?


DC BID Council and DSLBD in partnership with LookThink will be hosting the first FREE webinar in a multi-part series for DC Small Businesses. Register and join us on Thursday, May 28 at 4:00 PM to learn the basics of what you need to move your business online!



COVID-19 Briefing Call Series:

Reopening the Region, Safely and Swiftly

Phased Reopening Plans in DC, MD, and VA

Wednesday, May 27, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Maryland, Virginia, and the District each have phased plans for reopening the economy. On this call, we will learn how each jurisdiction has approached this challenge and what Phase One might look like in each jurisdiction and across the region. (For useful background, consult Summary of District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia Reopening Guidelines published by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments on May 21.)

REGISTER HERE


Getting Back to Business

Thursday, May 28, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

When businesses can reopen, most will face new expectations for how they protect workers and customers. Building on the insights gained in the first two parts of this series, we will explore those expectations and the financial and operational challenges they create. This discussion will cover company needs, efforts to meet those needs, and forecasts for the future. The goal is to help professionals in all industries better prepare for the road ahead.

REGISTER HERE


The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the rise of e-commerce. As more consumers seek to shop from the safety of their home, businesses will need to adapt. Join the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) and the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) for the DC E-Commerce Summit and learn how to take your business online.

Register Now


DC Small Biz Help Workshop: Spring Calendar

CNHED is partnering with small business support organizations and District agencies to coordinate a month-long virtual experience this month to support small businesses recover during the Covid-19 shutdown. As you peruse the virtual events, we want to encourage you to join us tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 am for Covid-19: A Defining Moment for Black & Brown in the Food and Beverage Industry , and to register for the Washington DC Economic Partnership's DC E-Commerce Summit on Thursday, May 28 from 1-4 pm.

This resource provides information about upcoming virtual workshops, training opportunities and entrepreneurship programs available for start-ups, new and existing small businesses in the District. Check out this month's DC Small Business Help Workshop Calendar and get connected to the resources and assistance to help you navigate and pivot during the COVID-19 crisis.

View the Workshop Calendar


"Buy Restaurant Bonds" campaign encourages customers to support restaurants by gift card purchases

The Adams Morgan Partnership is trying to help restaurants and bars that have forced to close or severely limit their services by encouraging customers to purchase gift cards for future dining. We are trying to make a splash with this campaign -- modeled after the Buy War Bonds campaigns of WWI and WWII -- to help draw attention to our 100+ restaurants and employees that are facing an uncertain future. Please join in via your own social media accounts using the hashtag #BuyRestaurantBonds

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