CM McDuffie introduces legislation that gives DC Main Street organizations access to the same waivers offered to BIDs

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie [mailto:kmcduffie=dccouncil.us@mail63.sea21.rsgsv.net] On Behalf Of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 11:07 AM
Subject: PRESS RELEASE: McDuffie Introduces Bills to Help Seniors Age in Place and Support Small Businesses by Supporting DC’s Main Street Organizations

PRESS RELEASE: McDuffie Introduces Bills to Help Seniors Age in Place and Support Small Businesses by Supporting D.C.’s Main Street Organizations View this email in your browser For Immediate Release: April 11, 2017 Contact: Nolan Treadway, 202-445-0361, ntreadway@dccouncil.us McDuffie Introduces Bills to Help Seniors Age in Place and Support Small Businesses by Supporting D.C.’s Main Street Organizations M.O.W.S. Act establishes a fund to assist seniors with yard work D.C. Main Streets Public Space Permit Fee Waiver Amendment Act gives Main Street Organizations access to the same fee waivers as BIDs Washington, D.C. – Last week, Councilmember McDuffie, Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, introduced two pieces of legislation to support seniors aging in place and offer Main Street organizations the same waivers for some permit fees that are currently offered to BIDs (Business Improvement Districts). Managing Outdoor Work for Seniors [M.O.W.S.] Amendment Act of 2017 This legislation would create a D.C. Government program to provide outdoor yard work services for seniors. The Office of Aging will be tasked with setting up the program, which consists of connecting seniors who wish to take part with contractors to provide basic outdoor services to seniors. Services offered would include lawn fertilization, seeding, aeration, and mowing; yard cleanup including weed control and leaf removal; gutter cleaning; and snow removal. [D.C. Council Bill # B22-0235] With introduction of this legislation, Councilmember McDuffie said: “As the Councilmember for Ward 5, helping seniors is one of my top priorities. Many seniors simply need a little assistance with some of the labor intensive tasks around their yards. The M.O.W.S. Act is a simple and sensible solution that will help seniors in Ward 5 and across the District retain their independence and age in place with dignity.” D.C. Main Streets Public Space Permit Fee Waiver Amendment Act of 2017 This legislation gives D.C. Main Streets organizations access to the same waivers currently offered to similar organizations in D.C. Currently, permit fees for use of public space and right of way may be waived or reduced for events and projects that are conducted by a Business Improvement District or Community Improvement District. This legislation will expand these waivers to Main Streets as well. [D.C. Council Bill # B22-0236] With introduction of this legislation, Councilmember McDuffie said: “I support the Main Streets program because these organizations support our small and local businesses across the District of Columbia. I also know Main Street organizations often run on tight budgets and every dollar saved is one more that can be spent reinvesting in our retail corridors. This legislation will not have a large financial impact for the District government, but it will be a big help to those Main Street organizations.” ###