Strong support for Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012

contributed by Shani Hernandez

On November 8, 2012 a broad coalition of Rhode Island Ave NE supporters testified to the DC City Council’s Committee on Economic Development and Housing in favor of the Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012. Should this legislation be adopted by the DC Council, the Act would designate Rhode Island Avenue, NE, from 4th Street, NE to Eastern Avenue, NE, as a Retail Priority Area. This would make RIA eligible for financing under Washington D.C.’s Great Streets Initiative. The Initiative is a long-term effort to “transform nine under-invested corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers”. In 2007 up to $95 million was allocated to programs in all Wards – except Ward 5. Fast forward 5 years and by February 2012, less than $31 million had been issued for Great Streets projects, leaving more than $58 million funding unobligated. Councilmembers McDuffie and Brown introduced the Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012 to provide a way for RIA (and Ward 5 portions of North Capitol Street) to get their fair share of these funds. Concerned residents of Ward 5 testified along with the following organizations and elected officials:

• Nolan Treadway, ANC Commissioner Elect, SMD 5C07
• Stephanie Rhones, Lee Sanders, and Hazel Thomas, Premier Development Company
• Thomas Litke, The Wander Group
• Kyle Todd, President, FoRIA
• Melanie McClain, Operations Manager, Dudley Beauty College
• Teri Janine Quinn, President, Bloomingdale Civic Association, ANC Commissioner Elect, SMD 5E06
• Cyril Crocker, vice president of development, The Menkiti Group
• Andre Byers, Director Great Streets Initiative, DMPED
• Edward Johnson, President, Greater Brookland Business Association
• Gabriela Mossi, Director of Programs and Resource Development, Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Additional testimony was added by area residents Shani Hernandez, Jeremy Cullimore, and Kari Nelson, as well as leaders from the various faith communities along RIA, including W. Ronald Evans and Pastor Coleman.

Those offering testimony were in agreement that RIA has been a long-neglected corner of the city, yet is on the cusp of a great renaissance, and that this funding would be last remaining catalyst to make that happen. Specifically, the following was requested:

· The passage of the Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012 with a funding mechanism
· Grants for small businesses
· Low-income and combined-income housing units
· Solutions for increased traffic, such as Circulator busses, and an integrated parking plan
· Assistance with business facade improvements
· Improved infrastructure like new lamp posts, and tree boxes
· Unique public art spaces and installations
· Improved walkability and bike access
· Unique green spaces with benches
· Community input on changes

As testimony wrapped up, Councilmember McDuffie asked Mr. Byers specific questions about funding – primarily, how much money it would take to implement the program for RIA. Mr. Byers will be reporting back to the Committee Chair as to how much money can be allocated to RIA and how much the streetscape improvements would cost to implement.

Councilmembers Brown and McDuffie indicated that they got the message loud and clear that residents do not want big box stores as part of any development efforts along RIA, and they in turn made sure that Mr. Byers heard the same thing.

You can watch to the hearing in its entirety by visiting the DC Council website.