June 3: MVT Community Update, 11 PM Curfew & Silver Linings
Wednesday June 3, 2020
As a follow-up to our June 1 community message, we wanted to share what we know regarding the public safety situation in both our neighborhood and city based on the situational update we received from the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) earlier today. Per the Mayor’s latest update, there will be a curfew from 11 PM tonight through 6 AM tomorrow in the District of Columbia. The curfew does not apply to essential workers including healthcare personnel and media.
Thankfully, there’s been a significant decrease in the number of properties burglarized or damaged since Sunday night, with no damage reported last night to properties located downtown. And among properties vandalized, the overwhelming majority were non-residential and included properties with merchandise that was clearly visible and could easily be sold or consumed. Peaceful protests are scheduled to continue throughout the day and there are no known public safety threats associated with these events. That said, HSEMA advises that it is too early to take a more relaxed posture and encourages residents to remain vigilant and businesses to stay in a defensive mode. Refer to Monday’s message for resources for incident reporting and ongoing awareness as well as property protection tips.
We’re in active conversation with FRESHFARM regarding Saturday’s farmers market and will announce operating status once a decision has been made.
In addition to widespread public recommitment to the ideals of equity and justice, another silver lining emerging this past week has been the overwhelming displays of generosity that have been expressed by so many—and serving as a reminder of the true spirit that defines #LifeInMVT. This includes the residents in this photo observed by our staff while graciously cleaning up broken glass at one of our properties. Since Monday, more than 70 community champions have selflessly offered to volunteer their time and help out around Mount Vernon Triangle. While the immediate clean-up has mostly been taken care of with business/property owner, DC government and MVT CID resources, ongoing support will be needed throughout the long-term recovery process. We commit to seeking ways to actively leverage this groundswell of collective goodwill and welcome you to send any ideas you may have to info@mvtcid.org.
In the midst of it all, we’re excited that so many of our local businesses are continuing plans to open, reopen or provide service despite the damages they may have suffered. Baan Siam, the long-awaited new Thai restaurant on the corner of 4th & Eye Streets NW, is finally opening for takeout and delivery starting tomorrow, June 4 with outdoor dining to follow. Restaurant co-owner Tom Healy (pictured below) is already thinking of creative and visually appealing ways to incorporate the protective plywood into business operations. He is even more excited to be part of the tight-knit, inclusive community that Baan Siam now calls “home.”
And after temporarily closing for two and a half months, Ottoman Taverna is also reopening for takeout, delivery and outdoor dining this Friday, June 5. Multiple MVT dining establishments are now open as part of the city’s Phase One reopening and ready to once again serve our community.
So, please remember to support local and each other, and most importantly, stay safe.
