Category Archives: News

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News

Donate Here: Help Support The Takoma Park Businesses You Love!

 

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. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, as they employ many of our residents and provide us with the services and entertainment that make Takoma Park a wonderful place to live, work, and play. 

As mandated by Governor Hogan on March 23, 2020, many of our businesses have been deemed “non-essential” and have closed their doors during the pandemic to adhere to social distancing rules. Others are working hard to pivot their business models and adapt to contactless service and increased delivery demand. We want to support all of our small businesses and help them stay strong throughout this unprecedented crisis. 

The City has a fund of approximately $20,000 and would appreciate any additional donations to support this program and the hundreds of small businesses in our community. All businesses in Takoma Park will be eligible for this grant, although preference will be given to those located outside of the Old Town Business District (Laurel/Carroll Avenue area) which has a separate established grant fund managed by the Old Town Business Association (OTBA).

Timeline:

Donations will be accepted starting Thursday, March 26, 2020, on an ongoing basis. 

Donations can be made online:



or by check made out to:  City of Takoma Park

Mail to:
City of Takoma Park
Finance Department
Attn: Small Business Mini-Grant Donation
7500 Maple Avenue, 3rd Floor
Takoma Park, MD 20912

We would like to thank Old Takoma Business Association (OTBA) for assistance with technical infrastructure to receive online donations with such short notice. You will see OTBA information on the donation page, however, funds are directed to a separate City of Takoma Park donation account for the Takoma Park Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant program.

Contact:

Questions may be submitted to:
Grace Yixian Zhou, Economic Development Division: yixianz@takomaparkmd.gov 

Thank you for your generous support of our small businesses during this challenging time.

 

News

Small Business Mini-Grant Program

1 Comment

 

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.
Arts & Humanities, News

Online Vintage Movie Night: Propaganda Cartoons!

Online Vintage Movie Night: Propaganda Cartoons!

Vintage Movie Night host Richard Hall has organized a new online film screening featuring entertaining propaganda cartoons filmed over the past century with political, social, or commercial messages. Dating from silent World War I films through World War II and the Cold War, cartoons have been used as propaganda tools to mold public opinion, sometimes in subtle or more blatant ways.

Vintage Movie Night, which features Hall’s curated collection of short vintage films on different topics, is part of the City of Takoma Park’s Takoma Park Arts cultural series. This screening was planned before the coronavirus outbreak and was scheduled to be shown on April 9 at the Takoma Park Community Center. We moved it online so you can kick back at home, pop some popcorn, and enjoy the cartoons!

You also can go to artsevents.takomaparkmd.gov to find videos of many past Takoma Park Arts events, including concerts, theater, poetry readings, art exhibitions, and more. Please sign up for our weekly e-newsletter for updates about when future events will be rescheduled. Stay safe and healthy. We’re all in this 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.

 

 

Arts & Humanities, News

Watch Takoma Park Arts Events Online

All upcoming Takoma Park Arts events at the Takoma Park Community Center have been postponed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but you can watch many of our past events online now! Please 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 to help stave off cabin fever.

You also can sign up for our weekly Takoma Park Arts e-newsletter for updates about the rescheduling of future performances. Stay safe and healthy. We’re all in this 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.

 

 

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