All posts by Donna Wright

News

Small Business Mini-Grant Program

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In Response to COVID-19, Takoma Park Supports Impacted Local Businesses with a Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant Program

Purpose:

The City of Takoma Park has established a Takoma Park Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant Program to provide emergency assistance to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will issue grants of up to $3,000 per business for their immediate needs. 

Timeline: 

The City will accept applications on a rolling basis, starting Thursday, March 26, 2020 (This application is now closed).

Mini-Grants will be announced by April 10, 2020. 

Criteria: 
  • All small businesses located in Takoma Park are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to businesses located outside of the Old Town Business District (Laurel/Carroll Avenue area).   A separate fund has been established for Old Town Businesses through the Old Takoma Business Association (OTBA).  
  • The grants can be used for business operations, personal emergencies, inventory, salaries to employees, etc. 

No longer accepting applications for Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant Application. 

We would like to thank Old Takoma Business Association (OTBA) for assistance with the technical infrastructure for online applications. Please note that you will see OTBA branding and logo on the application, however, the application will be received and reviewed by a City of Takoma Park staff led review committee.

Contact:

Questions or assistance with the application, please contact:
Grace Yixian Zhou, Economic Development Division
yixianz@takomaparkmd.gov 

 

News

A Message from Mayor Stewart on Taking Care of Each Other. Taking Care of Yourself.

The current health crisis impacts all of us. To face it, we need each other’s support, patience, and compassion, which requires taking time to take care of yourself. As we enter the upcoming week and continue check-in and care for others in our community, make sure you are also checking-in and caring for yourself.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides great resources. Here are some things they suggest you can do to support yourself:

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals,
  • exercise regularly,
  • get plenty of sleep,
  • and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

 

This week my daughter Bridget and I took some time together to try a new recipe – 45-minute pretzels. We want to share the video with you.

Please let us know how you are caring for yourself.

Back to helping others.

This week the City staff has been hard at work ensuring essential services continue and putting in place new programs to provide assistance to those in need.

Three items I want to highlight this week:

  • Takoma Park Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant Program: The grants provide emergency assistance to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will issue grants of up to $3,000 per business for their immediate needs. Residents can donate here and businesses can apply here.
  • Programs online for all ages: The library has been recording storytelling and Circle Time, which you can catch on Facebook and YouTube; the Recreation Department has started a new series, Recreation Approved Resources, you can check out on Facebook, and transport yourself to amazing places all over the world, and Takoma Arts programs are online! If you know of any friends or neighbors without wifi access please check out this information from Comcast. They have made all their hotspots in public places available and free to the public. You can find a map here at the locations in the city.
  • Phone a Neighbor: We are up and running. Feeling like you want to do more to help your neighbors during this public health crisis? Sign up for the Rec Dept’s “Phone a Neighbor Program”. We are looking for seniors who want to receive occasional phone calls and the residents who can volunteer to make them. To sign up please email JavonteM@takomaparkmd.gov or call Ms. Paula at 240-687-4132.

The staff has also updated the COVID-19 information page on the City website. Please check it regularly as information is changing.

The City Council continues its work during the crisis.

We will have our second virtual meeting on April 1 which will be broadcast on all the usual channels — on City TV (RCN – Ch. 13, HD Channel 1060; Comcast/Xfinity – Channel 13; Verizon Fios – Channel 28), on the City Council Video Page of the City Website; on YouTube, or on Facebook.

You can check out the agenda here and sign up to join the virtual meeting to give public comments. This is a first for us so please be patient as we try it out this week and hope to improve upon it in the future.

On April 6th the City Manager will present the FY 2021 budget. Please stay tuned for ways the public will be able to ask questions and engage in the budget process this year. As we consider our budget this year, we will be discussing the impact and costs to the City of the COVID-19 crisis and how we must react in the short term, as well as plan for the future of our community. More to come in the upcoming weeks on the budget!

Please remember as we go through the next few weeks and months to take care of each other and to take care of yourselves. Our community needs each and every one of us working together to face the crisis before us.

TkPk Together.
City Council & Mayor Blog, News

Message From Mayor Stewart, “We will get through this together!”

 

As the country faces the current health crisis, we are all learning to do things differently. Over the past week, your City government has been shifting how we work.

We are here for all of you and will continue to be here.

I appreciate all the support, patience, and compassion as we face this crisis together. Our City staff has been working around the clock to make sure we can put in place processes and new ways of conducting the work of the City and delivering essential services.

All essential services are continuing. Police officers continue to work, and public works employees continue to collect trash, compost, and recycle. Other City employees have transitioned to teleworking. Our staff continues to assist residents and businesses in need as we face this crisis.

This past week we successfully held our first virtual City Council meeting which was broadcast on all the usual channels — on City TV (RCN – Ch. 13, HD Channel 1060; Comcast/Xfinity – Channel 13; Verizon Fios – Channel 28), on the City Council Video Page of the City Website; on YouTube, or on Facebook — and is recorded for residents to watch.

We will continue to meet virtually over the next few weeks. Our next meeting is on April 1st. We will be building on the success of the first meeting and looking for ways to incorporate more public comments. Please check out the City website for more information and instructions on how to give public comments.

Next, our City staff has created and keeps updating a resource page where you can get information about:

Please refer to this for information about COVID-19 and resources you or your neighbor may need at this time. There are also recommendations on how you can volunteer and support local organizations and businesses during this time. Check back frequently because we are adding more each day.

To stay connected with the City

  • Please also be sure you are signed-up for Takoma ParkAlerts to receive emergency alerts. This is very important.
  • Please email us at askus@takomaparkmd.gov to ask questions or make suggestions. We are gathering these for a Frequently Asked Questions page on our website.

Social distancing – staying 6ft apart and no more than 10 people gathering at a time – will be challenging for us all. I cannot stress enough the importance of social distancing, with our families especially our children. We are a tight-knit community that likes to be around each other and gather. So, I am glad neighbors are looking for ways to be together virtually, on the phone, or at a distance.  The Recreation Department is also in the process of rolling out programs and ideas. Here are some I hope people will take advantage of:

  • Phone a Neighbor: Feeling like you want to do more to help your neighbors during this public health crisis? Sign up for the Rec Dept’s “Phone a Neighbor Program”. We are looking for seniors who want to receive occasional phone calls and the residents who can volunteer to make them. To sign up please email JavonteM@takomaparkmd.gov or call Ms. Paula at 240-687-4132.
  • Chalk Your Walk: As we all practice social distancing and still get out for fresh air, take the time to do some fun artwork and share words of kindness and compassion on the sidewalk.
  • Takoma Park Arts Online: Use this Youtube link to watch some of our concerts, theater performances, poetry readings, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, and more. You can take the arts home with you and share the link with your family and friends.

The health and safety of our residents, businesses, and staff is our top priority.

Please check our website frequently, and consult the CDC.  Montgomery County also has resources and updates on its website and I want to thank our County Executive on his leadership at this time.

We know the next few weeks and months will not be easy ones. Our lives are being disrupted. And, I know by supporting and treating each other with kindness, we will get through this together.

 

 

City Manager & Staff Blog

City-owned Playground Equipment Restricted Due to the Covid-19 Health Emergency

All City-owned playground equipment is restricted from use due to the Covid-19 health emergency. This action is being taken following a number of conversations with health officials and after reviewing the latest research on the transmission of the virus. While there is not a County order prohibiting the use of play equipment, such equipment must be kept sanitized and children need to be kept at a distance from each other.

Unfortunately, the City of Takoma Park is not able to ensure that the surfaces can be kept sanitized nor keep children from playing closely together on the equipment. For that reason, I am asking my Public Works staff to fence off the play equipment. And, we will be putting up signs and taking other actions to encourage folks to keep social distancing while playing.

In Takoma Park, there are both City parks and Montgomery County parks. The Montgomery Parks division of the Montgomery County Park and Planning Commission is not closing off its play equipment at this time but is advising residents to bring sanitizing wipes with them to wipe down any play equipment before it is used. However, it is unlikely that all residents will bring such wipes with them even if they are fortunate enough to have them.

The National Institutes of Health issued a news release yesterday, March 17, 2020, titled, “New Coronavirus stable for hours on surfaces.” The virus was detectable on some surfaces, such as plastic and stainless steel, for up to two or three days.

While cleaning, frequent washing of hands, and not touching faces may help keep most people safe, children play on play equipment with their whole bodies, including their faces. The risks of the spread of the virus are tremendous. We as a City are constantly evaluating the steps we need to take during this pandemic and appreciate the guidance of health officials in these efforts.

City parks will remain open for walking, running, biking and relaxing. In our parks, as in every other place, good social distancing and other health practices should be followed.

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to face this public health crisis together.

City Manager & Staff Blog, News

A Message From the City Manager

 

In less than a week, things have really changed in our country and in Takoma Park. On Thursday evening, after the State of Maryland and Montgomery County moved to close schools and many offices and gathering places, the decision was made to take similar steps in Takoma Park. In less than 24 hours, we moved to largely a remote service operation. Here is what we are doing:

  • Continuing emergency police services as always; other Police Department staff will work remotely

    City Manager
    Suzanne Ludlow
  • Continuing critical public works activities such as trash, recycling, food waste, and yard waste collection
  • Public Recreation Department and Library services will be suspended; to the extent we can, departmental staff will work on projects remotely
  • Other City services will be handled by staff remotely as best we can

We will try to keep it easy for the public to reach us by phone and email and, to the extent possible, we will try to have services and information available in multiple languages.

The next week will be a time of adjustment for staff. While the announced closure is for two weeks – consistent with the declarations of the State of Maryland and Montgomery County – I believe the closures will likely be extended. We will be working to make sure we can serve you well whether the closure is just for two weeks or for two months. Getting our phones, teleconferencing and messaging working well will take a few days and I ask your patience during this time.

I am working to protect staff, both from a health perspective and from a financial one. Employees that must be at work are taking measures to be safe. Besides taking common-sense public health steps (social distancing, washing hands, etc.), our Police dispatchers are asking more questions when receiving calls for service so that our officers can know what to expect. Our police officers have protective supplies and they are following best practices for health situations such as this.

We are requiring staff who are sick to stay home and, as mentioned above, many City staff will be working remotely. We will be paying staff for the time they would have worked and in most cases, we are not docking sick or vacation leave banks for the time they are not at work. We are tracking time that staff members work remotely vs total time they would have worked so that we can monitor the situation and, if federal emergency funds become available to us, we will have the data to support a reimbursement request.

I have heard concern from some community members that our part-time Recreation staff may suffer financial hardship when they are not working. We are continuing to pay our part-time staff for the hours they were scheduled to work.

The days ahead will be difficult ones for our community. It is wonderful that so many organizations and people are stepping up to help people who may need money and food at this time. We are sharing information on many of the resources we have heard about, as well as our own Emergency Assistance Fund.

I am grateful to be able to work with terrific City staff. In these fast-moving and rather scary times, they jumped up to serve. I appreciate their good spirits and commitment to serve the community in new and changing ways.

As we go through these next weeks, we will keep lines of communication open. Please email us at askus@takomaparkmd.gov to ask questions or make suggestions. We are gathering these for a Frequently Asked Questions page on our website. And, we can make adjustments in how we are providing services based on this information.

We are in this together!

City Council & Mayor Blog, News

A message from Mayor Kate Stewart to the City of Takoma Park Community

 

Our country and community are facing a fast-evolving public health crisis. As we face this crisis, we do so together.

It is times such as this that we are reminded that we live in a wonderful community and have an incredibly hard-working, dedicated staff.

For the last few weeks, the City staff have been preparing for the events that are now upon us.

The state and county have announced widespread closings of public facilities and out of an abundance of caution, the City is also putting in place closures. All of this is to minimize contact with others that could spread the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Tonight, on March 13th, at 7 pm, the City of Takoma Park facilities will be closed to the public. Almost all meetings, events, classes, and sports will be closed to the public through at least Sunday, March 29.  The Community Center, Library, Rec Center and public access to Public Works will all be closed.

All essential services will continue. Police officers will continue to work, and public works employees will continue to collect trash and recycling. Other City employees will work at home, as well as they are able to. We will be consistent with the State and County approach to the crisis.

As it became clear this week that we would be facing school and other closures, members of the community have begun to step forward and ask how they can be assistance. I want to share below a list of just some of the ways people can help others in our community during this time. This is not a complete list and please send me any additional resources we should share with members of the community.

Citywide Programs:
  • Apply now! Small Business Mini-Grant Applications being accepted

    The City of Takoma Park has established a Takoma Park Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant Program to provide emergency assistance to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will issue grants of up to $3,000 per business for their immediate needs.

    Purpose:     The COVID-19 pandemic. The City will issue grants of up to $3,000 per business for their immediate needs. For more info: Grants Program

  • Donation: The City of Takoma Park has established a Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant Program in response to the immediate needs of small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more info: Donations

  • Emergency Assistance Fund– The City of Takoma Park offers an Emergency Assistance Fund to support residents in need of emergency financial assistance for basic needs such as housing, utilities, prescription drugs, or food.
  • Meals on Wheels– There are local Meals on Wheels program that provides assistance for those who need meals.
  • Village of Takoma Park– The Village of Takoma Park provides support for older adults and people with disabilities.
  • Food Pantry at TPMS – The Difference Makers at TPMS have a food pantry for families. During the school closing, volunteers will continue to provide food for families’ needs. To donate food you can go her here to order nonperishable items that will be delivered to TPMS.
  • Support local businesses – Old Town Business Association has a micro-grants program people can donate to support grants to local businesses.
  • TPSS-Co-op – For taking steps in our community.

Many other individuals and organizations work in our City to support those in need. We thank Manna Food Center, Capital Area Food Bank, Adventist Community Services, Crossroads Community Food Network, Small Things Matter and many others.

The next few weeks will not be easy. Our lives will be disrupted. And I know that together, supporting and treating each other with kindness we will get through this together.

 

 

City Manager & Staff Blog

City of Takoma Park facilities will be closed to the public for two weeks due to the Covid-19 public health emergency.

 

As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving situation, the city is proceeding with an abundance of caution in the face of the current public health crisis.

Consistent with the actions of the State of Maryland and Montgomery County, City of Takoma Park facilities, including City offices, the Library and the Takoma Park Recreation Center, will be closed to the public from 7:00 pm Friday, March 13, 2020, through Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Police emergency services and public works services will continue, and City staff that can work remotely will do so. During this time, most meetings, classes, and events are canceled as are rentals of City facilities.

City Council meetings will continue to be held if possible — we will keep you informed.

As mentioned by Governor Hogan and County Executive Elrich, the situation is changing daily. We will work to keep you informed through all communication channels.

As the news about coronavirus (Covid-19) echoes throughout the world, our thoughts are with those impacted in our community, nationally and globally. The health and safety of our residents, businesses, and staff is our top priority.

Please check our website frequently, and consult the CDC and the Montgomery County Health Department regarding Covid-19 and effective public health measures you can take.

It’s going to be a difficult few weeks ahead, but we will get through this together!

 

 

City Manager & Staff Blog

City Manager Statement on Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19)

 

Dear Takoma Park residents,

My staff and I are keeping on top of the changing information about the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and preparing for actions that may need to be taken. This week senior police staff, emergency management staff and I have each been on regional official conference calls to share information, determine ways to work collaboratively and identify issues that need to be resolved.

City Manager
Suzanne Ludlow

The CDC still considers the risk to the general U.S. population to be low, but certainly, the regional situation can change. The most important thing to do is to practice the good hygiene steps that are listed everywhere, refer to trusted sources such as the CDC and Montgomery County Health Department websites for information, and continue to be vigilant but not panicked.

As City staff we are looking to ensure that our public facilities are kept clean, we are postponing some activities (such as CPR training) that can easily be postponed, and we are looking at alternate ways of conducting meetings if needed. We are making sure that our crossing guards, Recreation Department staff and others teach children non-touching ways of showing appreciation (such as air high-fives) and we are being particularly mindful of the needs of our seniors. I know it’s hard for all of us to not shake hands or give a friendly hug, but we are modeling new ways to be friendly and supportive.

The changing information can be scary. The expectation is that the number of infections will rise before they begin to go down, but we don’t know when or where or how that will happen. All I can say is that we are on it, we care, and we will work hard to do the best possible job to serve the public through these difficult times.

Please let me know if there is something you feel needs to be addressed either in the City government or in your neighborhood. We don’t want rumors spread but we also are not in every location all the time. If an issue arises, please let us know so that we can be informed or provide accurate information. We are all in this together as a strong Takoma Park community.

News

Reminder! Make a Difference – Plant a Tree: Incentives Ends Monday, April 20, 2020

 

Deadline:
Trees can be ordered today through Friday, April 20, 2020.

The spring season is a good time to plant trees. Takoma Park residents can help replenish the aging tree canopy and take
advantage of incentives. The city will contribute $115 towards the first tree purchased

  • Residents can have a 2″ diameter tree installed by the City’s landscape contractor for $95 plus 6% sales tax, for a total of $100.70.
  • Additional trees will cost $210 plus 6% sales tax.
  • The trees are warrantied for one year.
  • The $115 discount is NOT AVAILABLE for a tree required by a tree removal permit replanting agreement.
  • Residents can select a tree(s) from the following seven tree species:
    • Black Gum,
    • River Birch
    • Southern Magnolia
    • Sycamore
    • Swamp White Oak,
    • White Oak
    • Willow Oak

A limited number of grants are available for low-to-moderate-income homeowners.

Tip on planting trees:

In selecting a tree planting location, make sure to keep in mind the eventual size of the tree and pay attention to underground/overhead utilities, building foundations, and walkways/sidewalks.

Use Tree Location Guidelines:

Use the Right Tree Right Place principle for tree location selection:  See Guidelines

After your order has been received, the City’s Urban Forest Manager will notify you of the planting date/time.

Order Form

Please include a completed form or print (editable PDF Form ), with a check made payable to:  City of Takoma Park, for the number of trees selected, plus tax = Total Order

Mail or drop off to:

Urban Forest Manager,
31 Oswego Ave.,
Silver Spring, MD, 20910.

Deadline close of business Monday, April 20, 2020.
City Manager & Staff Blog, News

TKPK City Council adopts resolution to achieve net-zero emissions city-wide by 2035 and be fossil fuel-free city-wide by 2045!

Takoma Park City Council adopts resolution to achieve net zero emissions city-wide by 2035 and be fossil fuel-free city-wide by 2045!

On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, continuing the long-standing work of the City of Takoma Park on climate change, the Takoma Park City Council passed, by a vote of 5 to 2, the 2020 CLIMATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE FRAMEWORK Resolution. The resolution adopts a climate action framework of priority strategies and potential policy changes for consideration in the areas of buildings, transportation, renewable energy, and becoming a fossil fuel-free community.

The resolution outlines strategies to lead the community to achieve net zero emissions city-wide by 2035 and be fossil fuel-free by 2045. The priority strategies identified in the resolution include provisions to improve the efficiency of all types of buildings, reduce transportation-related emissions, accelerate the transition to 100% renewable electricity and phase-out of fossil fuels, and increase the City’s ability to adapt and be resilient to climate change.

A considerable amount of discussion among Councilmembers focused on concerns about how the priority strategies might impact residents and businesses, as well as potential costs of implementing each strategy. In the Resolution, Council mandated that before adopting any individual ordinance or policy, the City will address potential disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations and identify mechanisms to assist those residents or businesses who may need technical or financial assistance. During the upcoming budget discussions, the Council will be establishing a Sustainability Assistance Fund to start creating a source of funding for programs to provide financial assistance to eligible residents and businesses as they face and work to fight climate change.

The next step will be a robust community collaboration process to develop the individual ordinances and implementation plans for specific priority strategies.

The resolution sparked community engagement, with over 100 public comments, endorsements from the Takoma Park Committee on the Environment, Takoma Park Youth Council, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Maryland Sierra Club, Takoma Mobilization, a group of technical experts appointed by Montgomery County for its climate action planning process, and over 150 residents who signed a petition.

As the City’s Sustainability Manager, I feel Takoma Park’s continued willingness to act is the result of not just the Council’s leadership and the City’s management, but most of all, the passion and knowledge of the City’s residents. I am so excited to see what this wonderful City can accomplish as we work together in the coming years to achieve our goals.

To stay up to date on the process and receive alerts about opportunities for community input, participation in advisory committees, and next steps, please subscribe to the Sustainable TKPK email list at:  Subscribe

The resolution can be viewed here

Gina Mathias, Sustainability Manager